MYRModel Year Report

2002 BMW 325CI

○ Not enough data
2002 BMW 325CI
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:19.661Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
30
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

77% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001 2002: 30 complaints 2002 30 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 68 complaints 2004 2005: 31 complaints 2005 2006: 36 complaints 2006
2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001 2002: 30 complaints 2002 30 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 68 complaints 2004 2005: 31 complaints 2005 2006: 36 complaints 2006
2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001 2002: 30 complaints 2002 30 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 68 complaints 2004 2005: 31 complaints 2005 2006: 36 complaints 2006

2002: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20006
200149
200230
200327
200468
200531
200636

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

77% · 23 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact called on behalf of the driver. While making a left turn, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-17

The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18

Also filed under Electrical system

I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-30

Electrical system

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact was driving 40 MPH in rainy weather when smoke began emitting from the instrument panel. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and within minutes, the interior was engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-28

Structure

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing underbody shields and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

The subframe on my 2002 BMW 325CI has broke in 2 halves it is going to cost alot of money to get fixed I have talked to a guy at BMW he told me there was over 200 cars at his dealership alone this year getting subframes replaced the more I looked...

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-04-08

Suspension

3% · 1 report

Most commonly citing rear.

Show complaint excerpts

Today, after filling up gas for the first time in 2 months, since I purchased this new used 2002 BMW 325CI, model with now 45,000+ mileages. I live in neighborhoods that requires a lot of red light stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-23

Seat belts

3% · 1 report
Show complaint excerpts

When putting on seatbelt on both driver and passenger side the seatbelt will go in and moments later during driving it will unclique and come off this happens every once in a while not all the time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-12

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2013-08-09Air bags13V172000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a…

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2016-08-19Air bags15V318000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i...

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2020-02-13Air bags20V018000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 BMW 325CI — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V172000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V018000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 BMW 325CI 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 325CI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 77% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 325CI have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.