142 complaints reported

2002 BMW 3 Series Air Bags

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
142
Crashes
11
Fires
1
Injuries
13

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

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 the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but on my way home the dash light returned and faults were present after taking to 2 independent specialists. I returned to the dealer and spoke to service manager who said they would review and let me know their findings. They never responded and left me with a car that is now unsafe to drive. I believe this is the result of poor workmanship in addressing an NHTSA recall and has turned a potential safety concern into a real one. I have contacted BMW USA about this as well.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
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). The contact stated that approximately 7-months after the repair, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where a diagnostic test showed that a wire from the A-pillar connector to side air bags had high resistance. The dealer stated that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact stated that several days later the air bag warning light disappeared without the repair being performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 44,743.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325XI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2021
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 RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REMAINING EXPENSES.THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Apr 2022
Feb 2022 Crash

Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 330CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Apr 2022
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) The first question they asked was: Did you buy your vehicle from us? I told them that the car is not currently registered. They told me to schedule a tow on my mobile phone. I don't have a mobile phone. The notice said that some of the dealers have mobile service where they come to your house. They said they would get back to me. That was over a month ago. I don't think BMW is taking this recall seriously.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jun 2021
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 AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF ONTARIO (1350 AUTO CENTER DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761; (909) 402-3052) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Nov 2020
Feb 2020

I HAVE MADE SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS WITH SWICKLEY PA DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH NO SUCCESS. THEY NEVER SHOW UP OR CALL TO CANCEL .THEY SET UP 3 RENTAL CAR DELIVERY DAYS NEVER CAME. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. I'VE EVEN SAID DON'T WORRY ABOUT RENTAL JUS TO HURRY AND GET DONE AND THEY STILL DON'T COME. I'VE CALLED OFF FOR THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL IT'S NOT DONE. SINCE I'VE BEEN FIRED BECAUSE OF THIS AND STILL NOT FIXED. THE LAST TIME I CALLED THE SHOCKLEY DEALERSHIP SAID NOW THEY WON'T DO IT BECAUSE I'M UNHAPPY WITH THERE SERVICE. I REALLY WOULD LIKE THE PROBLEM REMEDY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT FROM THE RECALL. I AM A SINGLE FATHER OF 2 AND I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD FOR ME OR KIDS TO B INJURED IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT FROM INSIDE THE CAR. A SMALL ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. I AM GOING TO TRY TO CONTACT BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU NEXT

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Dec 2020
Jul 2019

AIRBAG LIGHT STILL ON IN DASH EVEN AFTER DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WAS REPLACED BY DEALER, DURING RECALL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Feb 2017
Mar 2019 Crash Injury

ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 I LEND MY CAR TO MY SON SO HE COULD RUN SOME SCHOOL RELATED ERRANDS HE NEEDED TO ATTEND TO. THAT DAY HE HAD ALSO TAKEN MY DAUGHTER WITH HIM AS THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE LUNCH AFTER HE HAD FINISHED ALL OF THE ERRANDS HE HAD TO DO FOR THAT DAY. AROUND 3:10 P.M. MY SON GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHICH HAD CAUSED BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. SOON AFTER THE ACCIDENT A NOTICEABLE CUT WAS NOTICED ON MY DAUGHTER LEFT CHEEK WHICH WAS CAUSED FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jul 2018
Sep 2018 Crash Injury

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. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED BRUISES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jul 2018
Jul 2018

2002 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. *LD *JS *JS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jul 2018
Jan 2018

2002 BMW 3 SERIES. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDTIONAL RECALLS. *JS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 3 SERIES, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jul 2017
Dec 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW SEATTLE, 1002 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134 (206) 829-5004) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Dec 2017
Nov 2017

"TAKATA RECALL" I AM TOLD THAT PART IS OUT OF STOCK AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN OR IF IT WILL BE IN STOCK.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2002
Nov 2017

RECALL

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Aug 2002
Nov 2017

TAKATA INFLATORS. I DELIVERED THE RECALL NOTICE TO COAST BMW, THE ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER OVER A YEAR AGO. I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN THEY WOULD RECEIVE PARTS FOR MY RECALL EXCHANGE. I NEVER WAS CONTACTED. DATE STATED BELOW IS AN APPROXIMATION.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2015
Oct 2017

TAKATA RECALL--RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT MY AIRBAGS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL AS OF A 2014 AND 2015 NOTICE FOR PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIRBAGS. RECEIVED NOTIFICATION ON 10/31/2017 OF THE RECALL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 320I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Oct 2017
Oct 2017

I'VE GOTTEN NOTICE'S IN THE PAST ABOUT MY AIR BAGS, AND EACH TIME I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO GET THIS MATTER TAKEN CARE OF I'VE NEVER GOTTEN AN RESPONSE.HOW CAN I GET THIS MATTER TAKEN CARE OF WHEN I CAN'T GET CONFIRMATION OF SERVICE AVAILABLE OR LOANER VEHICLE IF IT IS GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN AN FEW HOUR'S. MY SRS LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 330, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: May 2017
Sep 2017

"TAKATA RECALL" BMW DOES NOT APPEAR TO TAKE THIS RECALL SERIOUS. I CALLED # ON HUGH GLOSSY POSTCARD, SPENT OVER 10 MIN --- NO HUMAN. CALLED NATIONAL # THEY SAID THEY COULD FORWARD ME TO LOCAL # (BACK WHERE I STARTED.) GOT RETURN CALL TOLD HER I NEEDED 4 PM APPOINT. OH NOW THEY ONLY HA APPOINTS TIL 1:30. THIS BMW LOCATION DOES NOT CARE ABOUT "URGENT RECALL NOTICE" TALKED TO A GUY (HIGHER UP) . WHEN I INSISTED I NEEDED 4 PM APPOINT HE HUNG UP!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Sep 2017
Aug 2017

TAKATA RECALL. BMW OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA REPLACED ONLY ONE OF TWO BAGS RECALLED, EVEN THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT AND WORK ORDER SAID TO REPLACE BOTH AIR BAGS. THEY THEN SAID THE JOB HAS BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. WERE IT NOT FOR MY SUBSEQUENT CAREFUL REVIEW OF THE INVOICE AND FOLLOW UP QUESTIONING WITH THE DEALER, I NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN I STILL HAD A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. I SENT DETAILED EMAIL QUESTIONS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 330CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Aug 2017
Aug 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Aug 2016
Aug 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Aug 2017
Jul 2017

JUST TOOK MY 2002 BMW IN TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. BMW STERLING, VA WANTED $1611.05 TO REPLACE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT/SID. DID NOT PAY THEM... THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF. THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAGS AND YOU HAVE A LIGHT ON - SO ARE THEY FUNCTIONAL OR NOT... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF... [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325CI, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jul 2017
May 2017

TAKATA RECALL. WE ARE UNDER RECALL 17V047. FOR FOUR MONTHS, WE HAVE BEEN CALLING AND DOING ON-LINE CHATS WITH BMW OF MOBILE (MOBILE, ALABAMA). EVERY CALL OR CHAT ENDS WITH THEM ASKING FOR OUR PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS. THEY SAY THEY WILL CONTACT US SHORTLY WITH INFO ON WHEN OR IF THE RECALL CAN BE DONE. THEY HAVE NEVER ONCE CALLED OR EMAILED US BACK. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT IT MIGHT TAKE A WHILE, BUT THEY COULD AT LEAST LET US KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THIS DANGEROUS CAR. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS, OR DO WE WAIT AND BE IGNORED UNTIL SOMETHING REALLY BAD HAPPENS? AREN'T THEY REQUIRED TO HONOR THIS RECALL?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2017
May 2017

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING, AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP JACKSONVILLE FL MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET THE RECALL FIXED SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. THEY ALWAY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART AND CANNOT DO IT. THEY WILL TRY TO ORDER IT AND IF IT COMES IN THEY WILL CONTACT ME. I NEVER HEAR BACK FROM THEM.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2016

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2002 BMW 3 Series has 142 Air Bags complaints on file. 11 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.