Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2011

BMW 525i recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns and 379 owner complaints for the BMW 525i, covering model years 1995 to 2011. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (84), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

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

Decode your BMW 525i VIN

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

  • 14 recall campaigns on file
  • 379 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 15 model years with data (1995–2011)
  • most complaints: 2004 (84 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (147 complaints)
  • latest recall 19V273000 (reported Apr 4, 2019)
  • 9 complaints reporting a crash (2.4%)
  • 38 complaints reporting a fire (10.0%)
  • 15 complaints reporting an injury (4.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 525i complaints by model year

12 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 84 of 379, or 22.2%. Next come 2006 (77) and 2007 (72). The fewest are for 2009, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW 525i owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2009Column chart of 379 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2004 with 84. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 24 complaints2419951996: 0 complaints19961997: 0 complaints19971998: 2 complaints219981999: 1 complaint119992000: 0 complaints20002001: 22 complaints2220012002: 28 complaints2820022003: 32 complaints3220032004: 84 complaints8420042005: 35 complaints3520052006: 77 complaints7720062007: 72 complaints7220072008: 1 complaint120082009: 1 complaint12009
BMW 525i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW 525i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995241100
199820000
199910000
2001222620
2002280210
2003323150
20048401720
2005350410
2006770410
2007723230
200810000
200910100
All model years379938150

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

Most-reported BMW 525i components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 147 complaints (38.8% of all 379), followed by Electrical System (70) and Seat Belts (42).

Components named most often in BMW 525i complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW 525i complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags14738.8%
Electrical System7018.5%
Seat Belts4211.1%
Seats3910.3%
Power Train225.8%
Unknown or Other225.8%
Steering195.0%
Engine and Engine Cooling184.7%
Engine174.5%
Exterior Lighting174.5%
Service Brakes174.5%
Structure164.2%
Vehicle Speed Control123.2%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic102.6%
Latches/Locks/Linkages82.1%

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 525i recalls

14 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 525i, newest first. The 14 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2011. The 2001 and 2002 model years appear in the most campaigns (4 each).

  • 14 recall campaigns
  • 2 “Do Not Drive” advisories
BMW 525i 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
1995: 3 campaigns1996: no campaigns1997: no campaigns1998: no campaigns1999: no campaigns
2000: 1 campaign2001: 4 campaigns2002: 4 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: no campaigns2005: no campaigns2006: 3 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 1 campaign2009: 1 campaign
2010: 1 campaign2011: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V273000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

    Model year 2006

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Consequence:
    An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V015000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2003

    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 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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 17V683000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

    Model years 2007–2011

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Consequence:
    An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 17V428000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

    Model year 2006

    BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

    Consequence:
    Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V318000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2002–2003

    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

  6. NHTSA campaign 13V564000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

    Model years 2006–2007

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

    Consequence:
    Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V421000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model year 2001

    On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.

    Consequence:
    Unexpected deployment of the air bag(s) could cause serious injury if an occupant is too close to the deploying air bag(s). In addition, the battery safety terminal may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began NOVEMBER10, 2003. Owners 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 02V057000

    Reported

    Suspension

    Model year 2002

    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.

    Consequence:
    This could affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 01V352000

    Reported

    Tires › Sidewall

    Model year 2002

    Vehicle description: during the tire mounting process on certain passenger vehicles built with standard (non-sport) suspension and equipped with continental contitouringcontact CH95 ecoplus tires, size 225/65R16 95H, having DOT codes 4001, 4101, or 4201, the outer sidewall surface of the tires may have been cut by a sharp edge. Operation of the vehicle over a long period of time could lead to a reduction of inflation pressure.

    Consequence:
    Continued driving with low inflation pressure in the tire could ultimately result in damage to the tire, affect vehicle handling and control, and could in some cases result in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect all five tires for a possible cut in the sidewall, and if a cut is found, the tire will be replaced. Owner notification began December 10, 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

Show 4 more recalls

  1. 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

  2. NHTSA campaign 98V178000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System

    Model year 1995

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.

    Consequence:
    If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 97V131000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model year 1995

    The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.

    Consequence:
    This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 94V219000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model year 1995

    The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle. Drive-away protection would prevent the engine from starting.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the general control module with one containing the revised software to permit window opening with the double-lock engaged and key in the ignition.

    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 525i questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 525i have?

NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 525i, covering model years 1995 to 2011. The most recent, 19V273000, was reported on April 4, 2019 and is filed under “Engine and engine cooling”. The 2001 and 2002 model years are covered by the most campaigns (4 each).

Which BMW 525i model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 84 of the 379 complaints in NHTSA’s file (22.2%). The next are 2006 (77) and 2007 (72). 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 525i complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 147 complaints, or 38.8% of all 379. Electrical System (70) and Seat Belts (42) 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 525i?

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 525i complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 379 complaints, 9 report a crash, 38 a fire, 15 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.