3 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 525IA.
3
recalls
1
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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 525IA recalls
Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive
NHTSA campaign 03V421000 · reported October 24, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 23,000 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.
The risk
Unexpected deployment of the air bag(s) could cause serious injury if an occupant is too close to the deploying air bag(s). In addition, the battery safety terminal may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.
The fix
Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
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.
Vehicle speed control1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Apr 11, 2004 · Vehicle speed control · 41,000 miles · crash reported
MY BMW-525 IA YEAR 2001.( VIN#WBADT 43481-GF-59688) ON D/4/7/04 AROUND 7.45 PM MY WIFE PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AT HIGH SPEED & PASSED OVER THE GRASS, SHRUBS AND HIT THE CEMENT WALL. MY WIFE & ME WERE IN THE CAR. WE BOTH WERE INJURED,THE CAR IS DAMAGED, BOTH AIR…
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 525IA, the most recent reported on October 24, 2003 (Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 525IA?
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (1 complaints).
How many 2001 BMW 525IA complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 1 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 11, 2004.