The 2002 BMW 325Ci has 3 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (23 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints30filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
3 recalls for this model year carries an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 20V018000 · Jan 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 15V318000 · May 28, 2015 · 419,235 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags
NHTSA recall 13V172000 · May 2, 2013 · 43,204 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
325ci
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
325ci
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
325ci Convertible
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
325ci Convertible
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags
23
1
0
1
112,500 mi
Structure Frame and members › Underbody shields; Frame and members
3
0
0
0
102,000 mi
Electrical system Instrument cluster/panel
3
0
1
0
152,000 mi
Suspension Rear
1
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting
1
0
0
0
—
Engine
1
0
0
0
—
Seat belts
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Aug 8, 2026 · 164,000 milesElectrical system › Instrument cluster/panel The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact's husband stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster failed to power on, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster was not working when the vehicle was brought to the dealer. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed…
Dec 16, 2025Air bags I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but on my way home the dash light returned and faults were present after taking to 2 independent specialists. I returned to the dealer and spoke to service manager who said they would review and let me know their findings. They never responded and left me with a car that is now unsafe to drive. I believe this is the result of poor workmanship in addressing an NHTSA recall and has turned a potential…
Apr 27, 2022Air bags 2002 BMW 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REMAINING EXPENSES.THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.
Feb 12, 2020 · 199,000 milesSeat belts WHEN PUTTING ON SEATBELT ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE THE SEATBELT WILL GO IN AND MOMENTS LATER DURING DRIVING IT WILL UNCLIQUE AND COME OFF THIS HAPPENS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE NOT ALL THE TIME. JUST HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY MOSTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. YOU CAN HEAR IT CLICK AND SOMETIMES I EVEN PULL IT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLICKED IN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SOMETIMES AFTER I DO THAT IT WILL UNCLICK, IT HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NOT KNOW IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE REAR SEAT BELTS.
Jul 25, 2018 · 115,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED BRUISES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Jul 13, 2017 · 145,314 milesAir bags JUST TOOK MY 2002 BMW IN TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. BMW STERLING, VA WANTED $1611.05 TO REPLACE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT/SID. DID NOT PAY THEM... THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF. THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAGS AND YOU HAVE A LIGHT ON - SO ARE THEY FUNCTIONAL OR NOT... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF... [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Feb 8, 2017Air bags TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
May 27, 2015Air bags TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.