repaired · 2021 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2003 BMW 325xiProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2003 BMW 325xi, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-428 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 12, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 BMW 325xi has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
2Suspension
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Electrical system
2Latches/locks/linkages
1Wheels
1Fuel system, gasoline
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 14 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2003 BMW 325xi recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Air bags
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator…
repaired · 2017 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
no report yet
Air bags
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially…
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other 325xi year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 325xi median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 325xi owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEATHERFORD BMW…
TAKATA RECALL TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF FAILED AND CAUSED WATER OT ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONCERNED THAT THE WATER WOULD DAMAGE THE CARPET, DASHBOARD, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR…
THIS RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS IN MY BMW IS AFFECTING HOW I GET TO WORK EVERYDAY, I DON'T DARE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK SO I AM RELIYING ON OTHERS TO GET ME TO WORK AND I AM OFTEN LATE TO WORK BECAUSE OF THIS, WHICH IS GETTING ME IN TROUBLE AT MY JOB. I AM AT RISK OF LOSING MY JOB AT THIS POINT.
Own a 2003 325xi?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.