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.
2001 BMW M3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2001 BMW M3, most often about the structure. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-047 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2001 BMW M3 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Structure
4Power train
3Suspension
3Engine and engine cooling
1Air bags
1Wheels
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Parking brake
1Visibility
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2001 BMW M3 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 · 2018 Q2
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
Mechanical: linkage and cable
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET WOULD NO LONGER BE FIXED TO THE BACKING PLATE AND THE PARKING BRAKE COULD NO LONGER BE APPLIED ON THAT SIDE…
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
2001 vs. every other M3 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 M3 median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'21'22'23'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What M3 owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW M3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A SEVERE CRACK IN THE SUBFRAME THAT SUPPORTED THE REAR WHEELS AND SUSPENSION. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…
PASSENGER DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED EITHER FROM INSIDER OR OUTSIDE. APPEARS LIKE THE DOOR IS DOUBLE LOCKED. LUCKILY BOTH DOORS ARE NOT DOUBLE LOCKED WITH PASSENGER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. POSSIBLE FAILURE OF LOCK ACTUATOR WITHOUT WARNING OR FAILURE OF GM5 MODULE *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH PASSENGER'S REAR TIRE LOCKED UP, AND CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN DRIVING, THERE WAS RECALL (01V245000) FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THERE WAS A BOLT STICKING THROUGH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THE…
Own a 2001 M3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.