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.
2002 BMW 530iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW 530i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 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 April 8, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 BMW 530i has problems
29 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
3Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
3Seats1 crash/fire/injury
2Suspension
2Steering
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Electrical system
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 1 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2002 BMW 530i 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…
no report yet
Suspension
Risk. THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Tires: sidewall
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…
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 530i 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 530i median. How we score
'78'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 530i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I GOT I RECALL FOR REPAIR OF AIRGAG, BUT I DONT FEEL SAFE AT ALL ON THIS CAR, SPOKE TO NORTH AMERICA BMW TO CHANG THE CAR AND REPLACE IT THEY REFUSE EVEN THEY PUT MY LIFE ON DANGER WITH A DEFECT CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT.
I HAVE CALLED [PHONE]) EVERY TIME I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF OUR AIRBAG RECALL. THEY CAN NEVER GET IN CONTACT WITH A DEALER IN MY AREA TO GET THIS FIXED. I HAVE CALLED AND BEEN PUT ON HOLD 3 TIMES FOR AN EXTENDED TIME AND AM TOLD TO 'CALL BACK LATER'. IF THIS IS AN URGENT RECALL AND THE AIRBAG IS…
TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN JULY 2015. RECEIVED RESOLUTION NOTIFICATION IN SEPTEMBER 2016. BMW DEALER HAS REFUSED TO INSPECT OR REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DESPITE HAVING COPIES OF THE RECALL NOTICES. SHOP MANAGER AT ALEXANDRIA BMW TOLD ME HE WOULD CALL ME BACK AFTER CHECKING WITH…
Own a 2002 530i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.