2003 BMW 3 Series

● Typical for this model

2003 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:50:17.485Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2003: 73 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	73
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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 34%

34% of complaints: exterior lighting — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and turn signal.

Show complaint excerpts

BRAKE LIGHTS ON BOTH SIDES GETS STUCK ON ONCE THE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THIS PRODUCES NO ERROR CODES. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE SENSOR SWITCH. I CHANGED THIS AND IT DID NOTHING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190616

REAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (TURN SIGNAL, PARKING LIGHT BRAKE LIGHT) MALFUNCTIONS OCCASIONALLY AND NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK THUS, POSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN VEHICLE IN MOTION, TURNING AND ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100723

AIR BAGS 29%

29% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140520

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and WHEELS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 13V172000 (AIR BAGS).

NHTSA ODI report, 20190830

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring.

INJURY

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20090408 — DP (closed 20090806)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20090807 — PE (closed 20091222)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20091218 — EA (closed 20110928)

Rear Lamp Illumination

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (25 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2001 ● 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ◆ 2007 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 BMW 3 Series reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 BMW 3 Series is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 3 Series?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 3 Series have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.