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2002 BMW 525iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW 525ia, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints32 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage154kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 12, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 BMW 525ia has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags31
Engine10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2002 BMW 525ia 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.

–no report yet

Tires: sidewall

Recall 01V-352 · Nov 26, 2001 · 1,318 vehicles

Risk. CONTINUED DRIVING WITH LOW INFLATION PRESSURE IN THE TIRE COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, AND COULD IN SOME…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2002 vs. every other 525ia 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 525ia median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 525ia owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 (NA) BMW 525IA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATION…
Complaint 10944633 · Jan 12, 2017 · 183,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525IA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…
Complaint 10881682 · Jun 30, 2016 · 125,000 miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525IA. 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…
Complaint 10851703 · Mar 25, 2016

Own a 2002 525ia?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.