RoadVitals

2001 BMW 325I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
151
Latest Aug 30, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
15

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 325I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags4625.1%
  • Engine2312.6%
  • Brakes105.5%
  • Driver assistance73.8%
  • Transmission73.8%
  • Interior & seats73.8%
  • Body & structure63.3%
  • Powertrain (other)52.7%
  • Other / unspecified42.2%
  • Heating & air conditioning42.2%
  • Steering42.2%
  • Tires & wheels42.2%
  • Fuel system21.1%
  • Seat belts10.5%
  • Suspension10.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering wheel angle sensor internal abc-dsc issues, yellow light is on.. Is there a recall for this issue!? Also front door passenger side air bag is not working, I have used OBD reader to confirm all the above...

NHTSA ID 11684118 · filed Aug 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and 17V047000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer Ferman BMW (31400 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11622909 · filed Oct 31, 2024
All 46 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,000.

NHTSA ID 11609803 · filed Aug 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked overnight and off, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact was alerted by her father that the vehicle was on fire. There were no occupants at the time of the fire. The entire front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene. It was unknown if there was a fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The father of the contact had a truck parked in front and due to the flames of the vehicle fire, it melted the front of the parked vehicle causing damage. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not driveable after the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.

NHTSA ID 11482276 · filed Aug 31, 2022
All 23 reports naming engine

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having steering issue with my steering rack called “steering Wander”. Not being able to control you vehicle with supreme confidence is a issue which can easily lead to collisions.

NHTSA ID 11435461 · filed Oct 4, 2021

FAULTY TAIL LIGHTS- THE RIGHT TAIL BULB ASSEMBLY ON THE CAR GOT SO HOT IT MELTED ALONG WITH THE PLUG. I CALLED THE BMW HOT LINE 800-525-7417, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD 2 RECALLS FOR AIRBAGS, ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD A FAULTY TAIL LITE REPAIR IN 2002. I TRAILERED THE CAR ON 4/11/18 TO SEWELL GRAPEVINE BMW, WHERE SCOTT LORD IN THE SERVICE DEPT TOOK IT IN. I ASK FOR THEM TO FIND OUT ALSO ABOUT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MELTING & I LEFT THE PART WITH THE CAR. ON 4/11/18 I RENTED THE SAME TRAILER & WENT TO PICKUP THE CAR, (I LIVE 40 MLS FROM THERE). UPON TALKING WITH MR. LORD, THE 2 RECALLS WHERE PERFORMED & HE SAID THE TECHNICIAN LEFT BROCHURES IN THE CAR ON HOW THE MELTED TAIL LIGHT IS REPAIRED & THAT THE CAR IS TOO OLD FOR THEM TO DO IT. FIRST OFF, THANKS TO NHTSA WEB SITE, I LEARNED THAT THERE WHERE 210,000 OF THESE CARS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BEGINNING WITH THE YEAR OF THIS CAR. 2ND, I 'VE NEVER KNOWN A RECALL TO EXPIRE UNTIL FIXED. I CALLED BMW RECALL BACK 5/2/18 & SHE SAID NO RECALLS ARE SHOWING NOW & THAT I'D HAVE TO CONTACT NHTSA, SO HERE I AM, DO THEY FIX IT, OR SHOULD I CONTACT A LAWYER? THANK YOU NHTSA! I'M GLAD THERE WAS NOT A CAN OF GAS IN THE TRUNK

NHTSA ID 11091675 · filed May 4, 2018
All 21 reports naming exterior lighting

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having steering issue with my steering rack called “steering Wander”. Not being able to control you vehicle with supreme confidence is a issue which can easily lead to collisions.

NHTSA ID 11435461 · filed Oct 4, 2021

FAULTY TAIL LIGHTS- THE RIGHT TAIL BULB ASSEMBLY ON THE CAR GOT SO HOT IT MELTED ALONG WITH THE PLUG. I CALLED THE BMW HOT LINE 800-525-7417, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD 2 RECALLS FOR AIRBAGS, ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD A FAULTY TAIL LITE REPAIR IN 2002. I TRAILERED THE CAR ON 4/11/18 TO SEWELL GRAPEVINE BMW, WHERE SCOTT LORD IN THE SERVICE DEPT TOOK IT IN. I ASK FOR THEM TO FIND OUT ALSO ABOUT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MELTING & I LEFT THE PART WITH THE CAR. ON 4/11/18 I RENTED THE SAME TRAILER & WENT TO PICKUP THE CAR, (I LIVE 40 MLS FROM THERE). UPON TALKING WITH MR. LORD, THE 2 RECALLS WHERE PERFORMED & HE SAID THE TECHNICIAN LEFT BROCHURES IN THE CAR ON HOW THE MELTED TAIL LIGHT IS REPAIRED & THAT THE CAR IS TOO OLD FOR THEM TO DO IT. FIRST OFF, THANKS TO NHTSA WEB SITE, I LEARNED THAT THERE WHERE 210,000 OF THESE CARS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BEGINNING WITH THE YEAR OF THIS CAR. 2ND, I 'VE NEVER KNOWN A RECALL TO EXPIRE UNTIL FIXED. I CALLED BMW RECALL BACK 5/2/18 & SHE SAID NO RECALLS ARE SHOWING NOW & THAT I'D HAVE TO CONTACT NHTSA, SO HERE I AM, DO THEY FIX IT, OR SHOULD I CONTACT A LAWYER? THANK YOU NHTSA! I'M GLAD THERE WAS NOT A CAN OF GAS IN THE TRUNK

NHTSA ID 11091675 · filed May 4, 2018
All 18 reports naming electrical

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB CARRIER FAILED AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 207,000. UPDATED 02/15/12 *BF THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECAL # 11V438000. THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/18/12

NHTSA ID 10444393 · filed Jan 18, 2012

MY 2001 BMW 325I HAS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF MORE THAN 15 REPAIRS OF WINDOW REGULATORS. THE ORIGINAL BMW WINDOW REGULATORS LAST FOR A FEW MONTHS, AND FAIL ONE AFTER ANOTHER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING A SEVERE RAIN STORM, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DISRUPTION OF DRIVERS CONCENTRATION, AS WELL AS CAR FLOODING AND WATER DAMAGE. I BELIEVE IT IS A VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH WAS NEVER CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10372359 · filed Dec 24, 2010
All 13 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE BEEN RECENTLY GETTING THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL WHICH I AM GETTING DONE SOON. I NOTICED HOWEVER AN OLD RECALL ON SOME BMW 325IS STARTING IN 2001. AN ISSUE WITH THE HANDBRAKE... THE DATABASE IS SHOWING THAT MY VIN DOESN'T HAVE THIS ISSUE BUT I CAN SURE TELL YOU I HAD THIS ISSUE AND BAD. DRIVING 70 DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE HANDBRAKE CLAMP OR ADJUSTER... SOMETHING BROKE AND FELL INTO THE DRUM OF THE BRAKE DISC. IT THEN MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE AND FULLY DESTROYED THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND SOUNDED LIKE A WASHING MACHINE FILLED WITH METAL. I TOOK THE DISC OFF AND FOUND ALL THE PARTS JUST INSIDE WRECKED. WAS THIS RECALL NOT COVERED FOR ENOUGH CARS OR DOES A RECALL EXPIRE? I LITERALLY FEEL THIS COULD'VE BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE IF IT SOMEHOW HAD LOCKED A WHEEL!

NHTSA ID 11308604 · filed Feb 11, 2020

EVER SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR I HAVE HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS AFTER REPLACING THE WATER PUMP ALL THE HOSES HVAC HOSES UNDER THE MANIFOLD THE CAR STILL WANTS TO OVERHEAT I'VE BEEN IN TRAFFIC I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM HAVING A I'M CARS BEHIND ME AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE GOING TO AGE AND I CAN'T CRANK THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO RUIN THE MOTOR I'VE HAD TO LET THE CAR COOL BE LATE FOR JOBS WORK AND OTHER THINGS APPOINTMENTS ARE THE CAR COOL DOWN AND I'VE HAD TO ADD COOLANT IN IT AT $20 A PIECE BY THE COOLANT RUNS RIGHT BACK OUT

NHTSA ID 11243053 · filed Aug 11, 2019
All 10 reports naming brakes

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE ENGINE RPMS WENT WIDEOPEN CAUSING IT TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL FROM OUR DRIVEWAY INTO MOBILEHOME ACROSS FROM ME THEN INTO A VAN AND SHOVED IT INTO ANOTHER MOBILEHOME

NHTSA ID 11316989 · filed Mar 9, 2020

WILE IN MOTION ONE BRAKE WILL OPERATE AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE SIDE WITH THE MOMENTARY LOCKED BRAKE THIS SAFETY PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE YAW CONTROL . THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS STRAIGHT AHEAD OR TURNING.

NHTSA ID 11044923 · filed Nov 9, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2001 325 I TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - WILL NOT REVERSE , AFTER LOOKING INTO IT IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL AND YEAR . I AM ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND NOW CANNOT LOOK FOR WORK DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILLED AGAINST BMW IN NJ , AND WAS WON ! I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY BMW FIX BECAUSE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT BMW IS WELL KNOWN ABOUT AND DID NOTHING TO FIX IT ! PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID 10324614 · filed Apr 8, 2010

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE: DRIVE WILL NOT OPERATE IN REVERSE. CAN RESULT IN CARS STALLED IN INTERSECTION, BLOCKING TRAFFIC, WITHOUT CAPABILITY TO AVOID COLLISION BY BACKING UP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10285270 · filed Sep 25, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY DOORS WON'T UNLOCK. I HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN LOCKED IN THE CAR, AND HAD TO CLIMB OUT MY WINDOW/SUNROOF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM MENTIONED ON MANY BMW ENTHUSIAST FORUMS. I WISH MORE OF THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBMIT A COMPLAINT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF MY CAR. SOMETIMES MY DOORS UNLOCK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GM5 MODULE, AND A PERSON ONLINE EVEN SPECIALIZES IN FIXING IT SINCE IT IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM (HTTP://WWW.BMWGM5.COM). *TR

NHTSA ID 10618011 · filed Jul 31, 2014

PURCHASED THE CAR USED, IN JANUARY 2011, WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STORED ENGINE CODES, PO0300,171,174,1345,1351,1353; MOSTLY RELATING TO OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE MAF. ALL ENGINE HOSES, THE MAF, ALL 4 OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE IGNITION COIL PACKS WERE REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF NORMAL DRIVING, ALL CODES HAD RETURNED. MECHANIC IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE POINTS OF FAILURE FOR THESE ISSUES AND BMW DENIES ANY EXISTING PROBLEM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT, TURNS ON AND OFF, RANDOMLY, WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE, OR NOT. FAILURE OF THE SENSOR COULD CAUSE THE AB NOT TO DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SERIOUS, IF NOT FATAL, INJURY. BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, DOES NOT REPLACE/REPAIR. DOOR LOCK/WINDOW/WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE, KNOWN AS GM5, FAILS RANDOMLY AND OFTEN. IT HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. SINCE IT DISABLES THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS, I WAS TRAPPED IN MY CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THANKFULLY, I HAD THE WINDOW ROLLED DOWN FAR ENOUGH TO PASS MY KEYS TO SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE, SO THEY COULD UNLOCK THE DOOR. IN AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS COULD BE STUCK, KEEPING EMERGENCY WORKERS FROM GIVING THEM MEDICAL ATTENTION, IN A TIMELY FASHION. BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DENIES IT'S EXISTENCE. I ALSO RECEIVE RANDOM EXTERIOR LIGHT OUT WARNINGS, ON THE DASH. USUALLY, IT'S BOTH TAILLIGHTS, BUT MORE FREQUENTLY, IT IS THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT SENSOR, THAT FAILS, THOUGH THE LIGHT IS ACTUALLY WORKING, JUST FINE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10455224 · filed Apr 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE ENGINE RPMS WENT WIDEOPEN CAUSING IT TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL FROM OUR DRIVEWAY INTO MOBILEHOME ACROSS FROM ME THEN INTO A VAN AND SHOVED IT INTO ANOTHER MOBILEHOME

NHTSA ID 11316989 · filed Mar 9, 2020

I AM WRITING WITH REGARDS TO FILE# 0304924 A COMPLAINT WITH BMW NORTH AMERICA. AS YOU RECEIVED COPIES OF ALL BMW'S COMMUNICATIONS WITH ME YOU ARE AWARE THAT A FINAL REPAIR ATTEMPT LETTER WAS SENT TO ME. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE THAT ON 10-09-03I CAME OUT OF MY OFFICE AND MY FRONT FLOORBOARD WAS FULL OF WATER AGAIN. I CALLED BMW AND THEY REQUESTED THAT I BRING THE CAR IN ON 10-10-03. I ALSO CALLED MRS. BRANDI DOLFI AT BMW NORTH AMERICA AND SHE IS OUT OF THE OFFICE. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WELL WITHIN THE LEMON LAW LIMITS AND I WOULD LIKE YOUR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. AS A SIDE NOTE THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 OTHER TIMES FOR OTHER STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS SINCE THE LAST REPAIR ATTEMPT IN MAY OF 2003. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD GIVE ME IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *LA

NHTSA ID 10043364 · filed Oct 22, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE ENGINE RPMS WENT WIDEOPEN CAUSING IT TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL FROM OUR DRIVEWAY INTO MOBILEHOME ACROSS FROM ME THEN INTO A VAN AND SHOVED IT INTO ANOTHER MOBILEHOME

NHTSA ID 11316989 · filed Mar 9, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,866.

NHTSA ID 10724432 · filed Jun 9, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP IT IS THE SZL (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR). *JS

NHTSA ID 10608818 · filed Jul 8, 2014

IN THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 1 HOUR. I GOT INTO THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, I TRIED TO REVERSE THE CAR AND STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE SPOT, MEANWHILE I WAS USING ALL OF MY STRENGTH BUT THEN I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AND GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TO HAVE A BY-STANDER HELP PUSH THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT WHILE I TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE COMPLAINT IS THAT IF THIS PROBLEM TURNS OUT TO BE THE POWER STEERING PUMP THIS WILL BE THE 3RD TIME I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED IN THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE THAT IS UNHEARD OF! I HAVE THIS REPLACED AT LEAST 1 TIME A YEAR WHICH SEEMS EXCESSIVE. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS THAT CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FINE AND SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING WILL GO, IT IS VERY SCARY AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL HAPPEN ONE DAY WHILE I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10318867 · filed Mar 11, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS REPLACED. ONE YEAR LATER WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DETACHED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT ALSO REPORTED ANOTHER SAFETY DEFECT. WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT, THE HEATED SEAT COILS BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT CAUSING INJURY TO THE CONTACT AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. UPDATED 02/24/06. *JB

NHTSA ID 10147961 · filed Jan 17, 2006

WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS BEING USED A VERY BAD ODOR IS DISPENSED. THIS IS DUE TO CONDENSATION IN THE HEATER BOX. THE HEATER BOX WAS CLEANED OUT, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10024003 · filed Jun 13, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering wheel angle sensor internal abc-dsc issues, yellow light is on.. Is there a recall for this issue!? Also front door passenger side air bag is not working, I have used OBD reader to confirm all the above...

NHTSA ID 11684118 · filed Aug 30, 2025

I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having steering issue with my steering rack called “steering Wander”. Not being able to control you vehicle with supreme confidence is a issue which can easily lead to collisions.

NHTSA ID 11435461 · filed Oct 4, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES ON GOODYEAR EAGLE HP P205 55 R16 TIRES, THE SIDEWALLS ARE SEPARATING. THE TIRE IS RATED FOR ABOUT 40,000 MILES AND THE TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRE IS STILL SUBSTANTIAL, HOWEVER THE TIRES MUST BE REPLACED. THEY ARE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10169975 · filed Oct 4, 2006

TOOK MY CAR TO BMW DELAER TO GET TIRES ROTATED. THEY CALLED ME AND SAID I NEED 4 NEW TIRES. MY 325I IS A 2001 AND HAS 18,000 MILES ON IT. MY FATHER HAS BEEN IN THE CAR BUSINESS ALL HIS LIFE AND SAID THAT MY TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD FOR AT LEAST 30,000 MILES - ESPECIALLY WITH THE LOW MILEAGE I HAVE. I HAVE FOUND SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AGAINST CONTINENTAL AND PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT IS BOTH A SAFETY ISSUE AND A FINANCIAL ISSUE. WHO WANTS TO SHELL OUT $400 FOR NEW TIRES WHEN THEY DON'T EVEN LAST AS LONG AS THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO! I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF A TIRE BLOWOUT. I AM ALSO GOING TO WRITE A LETTER TO CONTINENTAL AND REQUEST THAT THEY EITHER REPLACE ALL MY TIRES OR AT LEAST GIVE ME PRO RATA FOR NEW TIRES. NHTSA - PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER!!!*AK

NHTSA ID 10058786 · filed Feb 23, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BMW 325I 2001 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I STARTED TO HEAR THE SOUND OF METAL DRAGGING. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE PASSENGER SIDE GAS TANK UP HAD BUSTED WELDS WHERE THE STRAP ATTACHES TO THE FRONT. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE STRAP WAS COMPLETELY GONE AND YOU COULD SEE THAT THE WELDS CLEARLY BROKE. THIS SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE STRAP THAT DANGLES DOWN DRAGS ON THE GROUND AND I'M SURE CAUSES SPARKS RIGHT UNDER THE GAS TANK THAT IS UNSUPPORTED DUE TO THE FAILURE. UPON LOOKING ON A BMW FORUM THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE. MY EMAIL IS [XXX] IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME TO HELP MAKE BMW TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10328422 · filed May 2, 2010

FUEL LINE RUPTURED. EIGHT GALLONS OF RAW GAS POURED OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN THREE MILES (NO SHUT OFF VALVE). IT HAPPENED ON A COLD ENGINE, SO THERE WAS NO FIRE, BUT SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TT

NHTSA ID 10021262 · filed Jun 8, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE STRAP ON THE CAR SEAT THAT TIGHTENS THE HARNESS IS FRAYING VERY QUICKLY. OVER HALF OF THE STRAP IS FRAYED. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR SEAT FOR 9 MONTHS. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2001, MAKE=BMW, MODEL=325I). *TR

NHTSA ID 10207785 · filed Nov 2, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. DURING SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PREVIOUSLY HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,784.

NHTSA ID 10196191 · filed Jul 12, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .