2004 BMW 325XI
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
- 55
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 55 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2003 | 31 |
| 2004 | 55 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 110 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
55% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2004 BMW 325XI. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle was struck by another vehicle on the passengerâs side causing the passengerâs side mirror to detach from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-02
Vehicle defects reported or recalled, BMW, OEM, or other, yet with known defects was requested to drive an unsafe vehicle that is 'imminent danger' that can cause serious injury or death: airbags.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-29
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact was involved in a crash. The air bag deployment severely injured the consumer and caused a neck sprain and a mild concussion. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-30
Exterior lighting
16% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing tail lights and hazard flashing warning lights.
Power train
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I filed a petition for a defects investigation as well as a complaint about problems with a 2004 BMW 325XI with a defective transmission, resulting in delayed engagement as well as "Lurching" Of the vehicle when accelerating and/or braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-25
Electrical system
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
NHTSA does not recognize the recalls on my 2004 BMW 325XI 4DR sedan. There were 2 recalls that are related to air bags. The NHTSA campaign numbers are #15V318000 and #14V428000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-04
Engine
7% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
While driving in normal rush hour traffic my wife heard a loud pop from the engine compartment. The car lost power, brakes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-03
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2004-02-03Defect petitionClosed 2004-05-27 Delayed transmission engagement
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I
2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-08-06 Rear lamp illumination
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I
2009-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Rear lamp illumination
-
I
2009-12-18Engineering analysisClosed 2011-09-28 Rear Lamp Illumination
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R
2012-02-15Exterior lighting11V438000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, and 330XI vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2001, through March 1, 2005. Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on February 15, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
-
I
2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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R
2014-12-01Air bags14V428000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.
-
I
2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 BMW 325XI — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V438000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 14V428000 · Air bags
- Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V018000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2004 BMW 325XI 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 2004 BMW 325XI?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 325XI have?
- 4 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.