MYRModel Year Report

2003 BMW 525I

○ Not enough data
2003 BMW 525I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:51.112Z

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
32
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 32 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 32 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 35 complaints 2005 2006: 77 complaints 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1994 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 32 complaints 2003 32 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 35 complaints 2005 2006: 77 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011

2003: 32 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19894
199011
199113
199218
19935
19947
199524
19982
19991
20000
200122
200228
200332
200484
200535
200677
200772
20081
20091
20100
20110

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

31% · 10 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. While driving 40 MPH, the driver veered and crashed into a curb.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-01

Electrical system

25% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

GM3 Body module failure interior lights dont function, alarm whipers sprayers locks doors dont funtion

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-10

Also filed under Exterior lighting

I was driving and antitheft system went off while driving. Then wiper failed to work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-06

Exterior lighting

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.

Show complaint excerpts

2003 BMW 525I. Consumer writes in regards to potential fire in tail light assembly. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle failed inspection, due to a faulty left tail light. The light was repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-13

Seats

9% · 3 reports
CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Driver seat and passenger power motor of seat not working, and can I asking if I buy this car from dealer used car,this car have 5 recall,,the dealer don't tell me about the car have recall, that illegal or legal , if illegal with...

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-09

I was driving on the freeway and turned the seat heater on. After about 5 minutes into my drive, I started to smell smoke and then saw smoke in the car. I pulled over and saw that the seat was catching on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-02-17

Visibility/wiper

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. R
    2019-03-14Air bags19V015000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V015000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 BMW 525I 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 2003 BMW 525I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 525I have?
2 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.