repaired · 2020 Q2
Driver 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 525iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 32 owner complaints about the 2003 BMW 525i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-015 the manufacturer reports only 23% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 10, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 BMW 525i has problems
32 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
4Exterior lighting
3Seats2 crash/fire/injury
2Vehicle speed control
2Seat belts
2Visibility/wiper
1Engine and engine cooling
1Service brakes
66 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 10 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2003 BMW 525i 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 · 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…
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 525i 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 525i median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 525i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS…
Own a 2003 525i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.