MYRModel Year Report

2002 BMW 3 Series

○ Not enough data
2002 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:53:19.300Z

Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 3 Series Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 1 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 88 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 26 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2005: 25 complaints 2006: 202 complaints 2006 2007: 115 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 53 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2011: 1 complaints 2012: 7 complaints 2012 2013: 21 complaints 2023: 0 complaints 2023
2002: 26 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
19920
19930
19941
19953
19962
19975
19983
19996
200088
200136
200226
200351
200477
200525
2006202
2007115
200868
200953
201030
20111
20127
201321
20230

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

THE RED POSITIVE WIRE TERMINAL OVERHEATED AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE PROBLEM WOULD KILL THE BATTERY AND CAR WOULD NOT START. SHOP SAID DUE TO THE LOCATION (THE TRUNK) OF THE BATTERY THEIR WAS NOT ENOUGH GROUND.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120713

AIR BAGS

6 of 26 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING ON A CLOVERLEAF RAMP IN BATON ROUGE, LA. (HWY 61 & FLORIDA BLVD.) WHEN PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. I THEN HIT A DRAIN ON THE CURBING AND BLEW OUT BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRES AND BENT RIMS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140624

POWER TRAIN

3 of 26 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO. ONE NIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY ABOUT 70 MPH THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER. ALMOST ALL THE SENSORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. I BARELY MADE IT OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 of 26 total reports mention: exterior lighting.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 of 26 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20020715 — EA (closed 20030624)

INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYME

I 20090408 — DP (closed 20090806)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20090807 — PE (closed 20091222)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20091218 — EA (closed 20110928)

Rear Lamp Illumination

I 20140611 — PE (closed 20150302)

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

I 20150224 — EA (open)

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2001 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ◆ 2007 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 BMW 3 Series reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 3 Series?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 3 Series have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.