2002 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems
No recalls and 26 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 BMW 3 Series.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2002 BMW 3 Series recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
THE STEERING WHEEL RESISTS TURNING BACK TO THE LEFT AFTER A RIGHT TURN. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. IT IS MY DAILY DRIVER AND EVERY WEEK THE RESISTANCE IS HARDER TO OVERCOME. IT IS GETTING VERY CONCERNING ABOUT THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS PROBLEM.
2002 BMW 3 SERIES. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDTIONAL RECALLS.
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS TIRES 275/30/19 ON BMW M3 HAD BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. COULD HEAR RUBBER WHIPPING THE ROAD JUST PRIOR TO THE ABRUPTLY BURSTING. HAD TIRES INSPECTED AND TECHNICIAN FOUND EXCESSIVE CRACKING NEAR THE TREAD AND CENTER WEAR-BAR HAD PITTING IN THE RUBBER (15,622 MILES)…
I OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR IN THE MORNING AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT. I HAD A HOCKEY BAG WITH APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF EQUIPMENT SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH I REMOVED FROM THE CAR AND CLOSED THE DOOR. I FORGOT SOMETHING AND WENT BACK TO THE CAR, ABOUT 40 SECONDS LATER, AND SAW A CLOUD OF WHITE…
WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE MK60 ABS/DSC UNIT FAILED LEAVING ME WITHOUT STABILITY CONTROL AND ANTILOCK BRAKES. VERY UNSAFE.
3 Series model years compared
Across all years, the 2006 3 Series has the most complaints (202). All BMW 3 Series years →
Questions
- Does the 2002 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 BMW 3 Series as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 3 Series?
- Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (6 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).
- How many 2002 BMW 3 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 1 of 26 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 22, 2018.