2004 BMW 3 Series
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.
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
56% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 77 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
56% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing tail lights and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 330. The contact stated that the plastic reflector bowl used for the headlights were burned and scorched by the heat of the bulbs used on the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-06-30
I find the halogen headlights on many cars very distracting. I am not sure but I think they are on german cars. I am told they are well liked by the drivers of the owners of these cars but I find them hazardous for the cars which are facing them.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-13
Air bags
19% · 15 reportsElectrical system
16% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My vehicle unexpectedly started on fire as my daughter was driving to school. It was determined that it was an electrical fire, and resulted in the car being totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-08
The heating element on my 2004 BMW X3 caught on fire while I was driving. I don't use it often, but had noticed a hot smell when I did use it and that it would be too warm in the lumbar and hip region.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-03
Also filed under Seats
Vehicle adaptive xenon headlight wiring is faulty . Wire insulation is cracking/deteriorating and entire wires are breaking apart. Symptoms start with flickering xenon headlight eventually (About a week later) stops working at all.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-18
Service brakes
5% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
New defective brake pads caused a traffic accident with total loss of the vehicles involved. Brake pads are contaminated and embedded with a slippery substance.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-09
Visibility/wiper
4% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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
Buy-smart checklist
2004 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 BMW 3 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 BMW 3 Series is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW 3 Series?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 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.