RoadVitals

2001 BMW 325XI

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 20V018000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
14
Latest Nov 10, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jan 15, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 BMW 325XI, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, electrical and airbags categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 13 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Exterior lighting526.3%
  • Electrical421.1%
  • Airbags210.5%
  • Engine15.3%
  • Interior & seats15.3%
  • Powertrain (other)15.3%
  • Seat belts15.3%
  • Suspension15.3%

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

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V018000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
292,948 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
14V428000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS

Jun 11, 2018
574,007 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 14
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 10, 2021

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325XI equipped with Primewell Tires, Tire Line: Valera Touring II, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while inflating the passenger’s side front tire, air was leaking from cracks on the sidewall of the tire. The tire was not replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17T013000 (Tires) and 16T017000 (Tires) however, the contact did not receive the recall notifications. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ID
11439987
Incident
Nov 10, 2021
Airbags
Filed Jul 22, 2017

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THEM AT BMW O F SUDBURY, SUDBURY MA UNDER RECALL 17V-047 DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE ON JULY 19, 2017, BUT THEY RETURNED THE CAR WITHOUT REPLACING THE AIR BAG - THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO DO IT.

NHTSA ID
11010111
Incident
Jul 19, 2017
Mileage
198,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 11, 2017

I THINK I KNOW WHY THE CAR CATCHES ON FIRE SINCE MINE ALMOST DID AND I TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM. THE ALTERNATOR IS NOT DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED OFF AND THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. IF THE ALTERNATOR EVER OVERHEATS FOR ANY REASON (SUCH AS THE COOLING VENT COMES LOOSE), THE PASS TRANSISTOR IN THE BUILT IN REGULATOR OF THE ALTERNATOR BEGINS TO SHORT. SINCE IT IS NEVER DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY (EVEN WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED) THE FIST SYMPTOM APPEARS TO BE A BAD BATTERY AS THE ALTERNATOR KILLS THE BATTERY. ESPECIALLY IF YOU REPLACE THE BATTERY WITH A NEW, FRESH ONE AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR THE PASS TRANSISTOR CONTINUES TO SHORT MORE AND MORE (IT CHARGES THE BATTERY MORE AND MORE LEADING TO OVERCHARGING AND POSSIBLE FIRE) AND EVENTUALLY SHORTS SO BAD THAT EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF IT DRAWS SO MUCH CURRENT FROM THE BATTERY THAT IT STARTS TO CATCH FIRE. IF AT THIS POINT YOU DON'T HAPPEN TO BE THERE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IT BECOMES A CASCADED FAILURE AND WILL BECOME AN ENGINE FIRE. I KNOW BECAUSE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH IT AND FIGURED IT OUT BY MEASURING THE RESISTANCE OF THE ALTERNATOR AND WAS SHOCKED AT HOW LOW IT WAS. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. I STILL HAVE THE OLD ALTERNATOR IF ANYONE WANTS TO EXAMINE IT. IN MY OPINION THE ALTERNATOR SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY WITH THE IGNITION KEY OFF. I JUST DON'T SEE ANY REASON FOR IT. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10984961
Incident
Jul 15, 2015
Mileage
176,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Apr 22, 2017

SECOND REAR COIL FAILURE. FIRST WAS 4/2007 AT 39800 MI (REF ODI 10189296). EXACTLY SAME LOCATION IN COIL AS LAST TIME. CORRODED CRACKED SURFACE (>95%) INDICATES PART FAILED LONG BEFORE THE COIL END BROKE OFF AND FLEW OUT OF CAR. FINAL FAILURE WAS UNDER BRAKING. PART WAS FORCEBLY EJECTED AND COULD HAVE INJURED A BYSTANDER OR ONCOMING VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
10979911
Incident
Apr 18, 2017
Mileage
134,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 9, 2017

I WAS LOCKED INSIDE MY CAR TONIGHT. I ENTERED MY CAR THROUGH THE UNLOCKED DRIVER'S DOOR. OTHER DOORS WERE LOCKED. STARTED ENGINE AND LEFT MY DRIVEWAY. DRIVER'S DOOR LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT MY CAR, THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. DOOR HANDLE PULLED AS IF DISENGAGED TO ANY MECHANICAL CONNECTION OTHER THAN RETURN SPRING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK DOORS WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE SWITCH TO NO AVAIL. TURNED OFF ENGINE, REMOVED KEY AND ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK WITH FOB TO NO AVAIL. ATTEMPTED DOOR PULL ON OTHER THREE DOORS WITH RESULTS THE SAME AS PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED. I RETURNED HOME TO MY DRIVEWAY, PARKED THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WITH NO SUCCESS. I ATTEMPTED WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND ENGINE RUNNING, ENGINE OFF, KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION, ETC. EVERY OPTION WAS ATTEMPTED. THE ONLY OPERATIONAL UNLOCK MECHANISM WAS FOR THE REAR HATCH GLASS, WHICH BECAME MY EXIT BY MY CRAWLING THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I WAS TRAPPED. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND INTERLOCKED THE MECHANICAL PULL.

NHTSA ID
10959888
Incident
Mar 9, 2017
Mileage
115,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Aug 4, 2015

TOOK THE CAR TO BMW SERVICE CENTER AT FIELD'S BMW, NORTHFIELD, IL 60093 3 AUGUST 2015 AS SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT ALERT STAYS ON AND WAS ADVISED THERE IS A DANGER BUT IT IS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALL. STATED THE AIRBAG FOR PASSENGER MAY NOT DEPLOY. BMW AND FIELD'S WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR STATING IS NOT PART OF RECENT RECALL.

NHTSA ID
10746074
Incident
Aug 3, 2015
Mileage
36,875 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 25, 2015

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 BMW 325XI VEHICLE. I LIVE IN THE SOUTH. THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY TAKATA AIRBAG WAS RECALLED BY BMW AND REPLACED WITH ANOTHER TAKATA AIRBAG. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT RECALLED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT AS CLOSE TO A POTENTIAL PASSENGER, ALTHOUGH BMW CONSIDERED IT VERY NECESSARY TO RECALL, BUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IS MUCH CLOSER TO THE DRIVER, SINCE IT IS BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS MAKES NO SENSE. BOTH AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND NOW SHOULD BE RECALLED. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE OR POTENTIAL SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL, NOR IS THERE AN OPEN RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, STATED ON THE SAFERCAR.GOV WEBSITE, WHICH I CONSTANTLY CHECK BY USING MY VIN NUMBER. I URGE YOU TO ORDER A RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AT ONCE. I HAVE WATCHED AND WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH THE HEARINGS. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED MY GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS AND TAKEN NOTES ON THE HEARINGS. PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR THOROUGH WORK, BUT ALSO PLEASE HELP ME! UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ

NHTSA ID
10730465
Incident
Jun 30, 2001
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 9, 2014
Fire reported

THE OEM TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES OVERHEAT AT THE PLUGIN PIN #3 CAUSING FIRE. THIS AFFECTS BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS PROBLEM ALSO AFFECTS THE XENON HEADLAMP FUNCTION CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO FAIL, SOMETIMES BOTH HEADLAMPS AT THE SAME TIME MAKING IT DANGEROUS DURING NIGHT TIME DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10563617
Incident
Sep 1, 2013
Mileage
171,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B340414

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

B651820

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.

B013118

AIR BAGS

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.

B013118

AIR BAGS

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.

B011618

AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 325XI by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012020—
2011030—
2010030—
2009130—
2008030—
2007030—
20061106048.1
2005274562.8
2004554662.4
2003315058.1
2002686357.0
2001Viewing142048.7
2000010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.