2001 BMW 325
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 23 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 23 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 31 |
| 2002 | 26 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2006 | 8 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DAY AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILED, ALLOWING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS RESULTED IN A FIRE, 8" FLAME IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE COOLING FAN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010927
AFTER DRIVING 15 MILES AND PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, SHE SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL/BURNING SMELL. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE AND BACKED IT OUT OF GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010606
13% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HAD JUST PARKED THE CAR AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD IS BURNED. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS CAUGHT THE HOLE THING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150816
6% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
RECALL DATE: 09-28-2001 UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: 1,550 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V138000 DEFECTIVE PART OR COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20090616
6% of complaints: electrical system — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HAD JUST PARKED THE CAR AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD IS BURNED. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS CAUGHT THE HOLE THING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150816
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017.
Campaign 17V047000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019.
Campaign 19V698000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 BMW 325 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V047000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V698000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 BMW 325 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 2001 BMW 325?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 325 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.