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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2000–2006

BMW 325Ci recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 247 owner complaints for the BMW 325Ci, covering model years 2000 to 2006. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (68), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW 325Ci VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 247 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 7 model years with data (2000–2006)
  • most complaints: 2004 (68 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (132 complaints)
  • latest recall 21V401000 (reported May 27, 2021)
  • 5 complaints reporting a crash (2.0%)
  • 14 complaints reporting a fire (5.7%)
  • 7 complaints reporting an injury (2.8%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 325Ci complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 68 of 247, or 27.5%. Next come 2001 (49) and 2006 (36). The fewest are for 2000, with 6 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW 325Ci owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2000–2006Column chart of 247 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2004 with 68. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2000: 6 complaints620002001: 49 complaints4920012002: 30 complaints3020022003: 27 complaints2720032004: 68 complaints6820042005: 31 complaints3120052006: 36 complaints362006
BMW 325Ci complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW 325Ci complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200060100
2001491640
2002301110
2003270100
2004681210
2005311310
2006361000
All model years24751470

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW 325Ci components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 132 complaints (53.4% of all 247), followed by Electrical System (24) and Exterior Lighting (21).

Components named most often in BMW 325Ci complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW 325Ci complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags13253.4%
Electrical System249.7%
Exterior Lighting218.5%
Power Train166.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling145.7%
Suspension93.6%
Structure83.2%
Engine72.8%
Fuel System, Gasoline62.4%
Unknown or Other62.4%
Equipment52.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System52.0%
Seats52.0%
Visibility52.0%
Latches/Locks/Linkages31.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW 325Ci recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 325Ci, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 2000 to 2006. The 2001 and 2003 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 9 recall campaigns
  • 3 “Do Not Drive” advisories
BMW 325Ci recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2000: 3 campaigns2001: 5 campaigns2002: 3 campaigns2003: 5 campaigns2004: 2 campaigns2005: 2 campaigns2006: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V401000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2001

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V018000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2006

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V853000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2001

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 15V318000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2002–2006

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 13V172000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2002–2003

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 03V160000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model year 2003

    On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.

    Consequence:
    Occupants could be pinched by a window that is being closed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. Owner notification began May 27, 2003. 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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V124000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model year 2003

    On certain passenger and sport wagon vehicles with automatic transmissions, with the engine running, and the vehicle at rest, an increase of engine idle speed (up to 1,300 RPM) may occur.

    Consequence:
    If a gear is selected, the driver may feel as if the vehicle is being pushed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began May 5, 2003. 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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 02V138000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan

    Model year 2001

    On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01V206). 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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 01V206000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. 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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW 325Ci questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 325Ci have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 325Ci, covering model years 2000 to 2006. The most recent, 21V401000, was reported on May 27, 2021 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2001 and 2003 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which BMW 325Ci model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 68 of the 247 complaints in NHTSA’s file (27.5%). The next are 2001 (49) and 2006 (36). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW 325Ci complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 132 complaints, or 53.4% of all 247. Electrical System (24) and Exterior Lighting (21) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW 325Ci?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW 325Ci complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 247 complaints, 5 report a crash, 14 a fire, 7 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.