2002 Model Year

BMW 3 Series

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
441
Recalls
0
Crashes
18
Severe
70

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Air Bags
Jan 2026

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...

Engine Fire
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325i. The contact stated that upon exiting the store, he observed fire emerging from the driver's side dashboard. The vehi...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS Fire
Mar 2024

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drive...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE Fire
Jul 2023

On Tuesday June 20, 2023 at 7:20am I was awakened by my neighbor who informed me that my car was on fire. A report was done by the fire department an...

Air Bags
Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (...

Air Bags
Apr 2022

2002 BMW 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECA...

Air Bags Crash
Feb 2022

Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection....

Air Bags
Jan 2022

I got a notice in the mail for an airbag recall. I called the number (877-225-0472) in early December. I was told to call Fremont BMW (510-360-5902)...

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Crash
Jan 2021

LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOI...

Air Bags
Dec 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, SHORTLY...

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Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 5, 2026

Summary

The 2002 BMW 3 Series has 441 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Air Bags. 18 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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