RoadVitals

2002 BMW 530I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

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

Campaign 19V015000. 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.
29
Latest Apr 8, 2025
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.
4
Latest Jan 14, 2019
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.
7

Overview

Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 BMW 530I, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and interior & seats categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 14 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

  • Airbags825.8%
  • Driver assistance516.1%
  • Interior & seats39.7%
  • Engine39.7%
  • Suspension26.5%
  • Transmission26.5%
  • Steering26.5%
  • Powertrain (other)13.2%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
19V015000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 14, 2019
157,549 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
15V318000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

May 28, 2015
419,235 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk: 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
02V057000

SUSPENSION

Feb 19, 2002
4,672 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED. IF THE SUSPENSION IS FULLY UNLOADED, THE FRONT STRUT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER MOUNT.
The risk: THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRING STRUT UPPER MOUNTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 29
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 8, 2025

We purchased two identical new Pirelli P Zero P245/35/ZR20 91Y tires and had them professionally installed. The mechanic noticed that after installation one of the tires pulled hard to one side. The vehicle was aligned but the issue persisted, so they moved the tire to the other vehicle side. Now the vehicle pulled to that side, at which point we were told the problem was the tire, either a belt separation or other internal tire manufacturing defect. They suggested we contact the manufacturer and get a warranty replacement tire. We have been trying for weeks to get a replacement tire sent out from Pirelli, but they have been unwilling to work with us.

NHTSA ID
11653375
Incident
Mar 20, 2025
Steering
Filed Jan 4, 2020

NOT SURE WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO WRITE. I SEEN THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING. AND THAT CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILURE OF THAT PART CAN BE LESS OF CONTROL THAT DONT SOUND SAFE AT ALL.

NHTSA ID
11297129
Incident
Jan 4, 2020
Electrical
Filed Sep 27, 2019
Fire reported

CAME OUT IN MORNING AFTER PARKING CAR IN DRIVEWAY AND IT WOULDN'T START. SMELLED FUNNY. HAD IT TOWED. MECHANIC FOUND MY LCM HAD CAUGHT FIRE. ALL WIRING AND HARNESS MELTED.

NHTSA ID
11258546
Incident
Aug 23, 2019
Mileage
89,000 mi
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 27, 2019

I HAVE COOLANT LEAKS AND POWER STEERING LEAKS AND OIL LEAKS , MY ALIGNMENT IN BATIRES ARE INWARD CAUSING MY TIRES TO WORN OUT QUICK, ELECTRIC PROBLEM SOMETIMES CAR WON'T START RANDOMLY MAKING ME TO JUMP START IT, MY SUSPENSION IS BAD NOT SURE WHY BUT CAUSING MY TIRE TRACTION LIGHT GO ON MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STAY IN CONTROL OF CAR WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY

NHTSA ID
11182691
Incident
Jan 15, 2019
Mileage
146,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 13, 2018

TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL

NHTSA ID
11062561
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Dec 28, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
11057078
Incident
Oct 10, 2013
Airbags
Filed Nov 7, 2017

I HAVE CALLED (877.432.7841) 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 DEFECTIVE I WOULD LIKE THIS REMEDIED ASAP AS THIS IS A FAMILY VEHICLE MY WIFE AND KIDS RIDE IN

NHTSA ID
11044103
Incident
Nov 6, 2017
Airbags
Filed Jun 5, 2017

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 HIS "DISTRIBUTER. THAT WAS IN OCTOBER 2016. STILL HAS NOT HEARD FROM HIM.

NHTSA ID
10993328
Incident
Jul 15, 2015
Mileage
48,300 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.

B160623

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

B653423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

SIB662419

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected.

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.

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 530I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025140—
2024136063.9
2023220—
2022840—
2021178058.4
2020950—
2019151057.7
2018252044.2
2017181156.6
2016001—
2015001—
2014001—
2013000—
2012000—
2011010—
2010010—
2009010—
2008010—
2007732049.7
2006843048.8
2005580241.7
20041290148.0
2003462050.2
2002Viewing294055.5
2001254052.5
2000010—
1995520—
1994930—
1993010—
1992010—
1991010—
1990010—
1989010—
1978010—

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.