2001 BMW 325CI recalls and problems

5 recalls and 49 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 325CI.

5
recalls
49
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
6
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 325CI recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 21V401000 · reported May 27, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC · 4,511 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V018000 · reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 292,948 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 19V853000 · reported November 26, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 74,185 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 02V138000 · reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 1,550 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 01V206000 · reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 76,469 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

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.

Jan 30, 2020 · Air bags · 36,596 miles · fire reported

FAULTY DMTL NOW NEEDS A THIRD COMPONENT AT 49,000. MILES. JUST REPLACED DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS IN TRUNK THAT CAUSED SOME LIGHTS TO FAIL AND BURNT UP A RELAY FAULTY DESIGN. TRANSMISSION CABLE GETS STUCK WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF DRIVE & N. NEEDS CABLE RE ALIGNED OR REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 49,000. MILES VERY…

Dec 31, 2019 · Structure · 151,000 miles

FUEL TANK STRAP BRACKETS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF AT THE WELD POINTS. FUEL TANK HANGING OFF BOTTOM OF CAR

May 11, 2019 · Air bags · 145,000 miles

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A CARD IN THE MAIL FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA INFORMING ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG FOR MY 2003 BMW X5. WHEN WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN AMARILLO TEXAS, AUTOPLEX BMW, WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER KENDRA THAT WE ARE WELCOME TO BUY NEW CARS FROM THEM BUT THEY WILL NO LONGER…

Jan 8, 2018 · Air bags

2001 BMW 325 CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND HIT THE CONSUMER IN THE HEAD CAUSING BRAIN INJURY AND EYE IRRITATION. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER PAID OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THE AIR BAG REPLACED DUE TO THE…

Aug 25, 2017 · Air bags · 180,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325CI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE…

325CI model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 3601
2001 54916
2002 33011
2003 52701
2004 26812

Across all years, the 2004 325CI has the most complaints (68). All BMW 325CI years →

Questions

Does the 2001 BMW 325CI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 BMW 325CI, the most recent reported on May 27, 2021 (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 325CI?
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (13 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (7).
How many 2001 BMW 325CI complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 49 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 30, 2020.