2002 BMW 3 Series
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.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 26 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 26 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 25 |
| 2006 | 202 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 53 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2023 | 0 |
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, 2012-07-13
Air bags
6 of 26 total reports mention: air bags.
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, 2014-06-24
Also filed under Wheels
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, 2004-04-22
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.
0 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2002-07-15Engineering analysisClosed 2003-06-24 Inadvertent side-impact air bag deployme
-
I
2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-08-06 Rear lamp illumination
-
I
2009-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Rear lamp illumination
-
I
2009-12-18Engineering analysisClosed 2011-09-28 Rear Lamp Illumination
-
I
2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
-
I
2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2002 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.