Does the 2001 BMW 320 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 BMW 320, the most recent reported on January 20, 2017 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 320?

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).

How many 2001 BMW 320 complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 10 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2001 BMW 320 recalls and problems

1 recall and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 320.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

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.

2001 BMW 320 recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 17V047000 · reported January 20, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 230,117 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling7
Electrical system1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Service brakes1
Visibility1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 21, 2012 · Service brakes · 113,000 miles
WHILE DOING 55 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY MY VEHICLE ENGAGED THE BRAKES ON IT'S OWN BRINGING US TO A SCREACHING, SKIDDING STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY SCARY SITUATION ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE…

Jun 22, 2001 · Engine and engine cooling
COOLING FAN FAILURE CAUSED RAPID OVERHEATING AND COOLANT LOSS, DISABLING VEHICLE.

Jun 22, 2001 · Engine and engine cooling
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.

Jun 17, 2001 · Engine and engine cooling
I COMPLAINED TO BMW NA OF REPORTED FAILURES OF THE FAN. THEY AGREED THAT THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SIEMENS MANUFACTURED FANS. THEY LEFT A PHONE MESSAGE (I HAVE A COPY) AGREEING TO PAY FOR A VEHICLE INSPECTION TO DETERMINE IF THE FAN IS THE TYPE PRONE TO FAILURE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS I HAVE FOR MY SON WHO WILL BE…

Jun 13, 2001 · Engine and engine cooling
THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE, YET THE ENGINE OVERHEATS AT 1828 MILES. A LOT OF SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE HOOD AND HINDERED VISIBILITY. THE OVERHEATING HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY AND ALLOWED ME VERY LITTLE TIME TO REALIZE AND TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE STOPPED, THERE APPEARED TO BE MAJOR LEAKAGE OF COOLANT/ANTI-FREEZE UNDER THE…

320 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Fires
2000	1	0	0
2001	1	10	1
2002	1	0	0

All BMW 320 years →

Questions

Does the 2001 BMW 320 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 BMW 320, the most recent reported on January 20, 2017 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 320?: Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).
How many 2001 BMW 320 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 10 complaints report a crash and 1 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 August 21, 2012.