VehicleVerdict

2001 BMW 325 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.3 times the median 325 year — the 2001 model ranks #1 of 27 325 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (37% of the total).

38

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other 325 years?

325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted38 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 30 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 13 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 30 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 30 complaints2003: 11 complaints2006: 13 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints
325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 325 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 BMW 325 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1437%
Airbags718%
Electrical System513%
Transmission38%
Tires & Wheels25%
Fuel System25%
Other13%
Suspension13%
Brakes13%
Seat Belts13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2001 BMW 325 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V698000AirbagsOctober 2, 2019 · 3,924 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles that 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. The frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of previous recalls, numbers 17V-047 and 19V-015.

17V047000AirbagsJanuary 20, 2017 · 230,117 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE ENGINE OVER HEATED AND STALLED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CURB, THE DEALER STATED THE EXHAUST VALVES OF THE ENGINE WERE BENT, AND THE CAM SHAFT HAD PROBLEMS, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT, CONSUMER BELIEVED THE INSTALLATION OF THE CAM SHAFT, CAUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2002 · crash

“FRONT RIGHT COLLISION AT 25-30 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES TO FACE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS OVER $ 20000.00.*AK *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 5, 2002 · crash

“HAD JUST PARKED THE CAR AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD IS BURNED. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS CAUGHT THE HOLE THING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 14, 2015 · fire

“RECALL DATE: 09-28-2001 UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: 1,550 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V138000 DEFECTIVE PART OR COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 11, 2009 · fire

“I DISCOVERED A 2-INCH BUBBLE IN THE SIDE OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A SNAPPED BELT THAT IS ALLOWING AIR TO ESCAPE THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE HAS 3700 MILES ON IT, AND I HAVE NEVER RUN OVER SO MUCH AS A LARGE POTHOLE. NEVERTHELESS, THE DEALER AND LOCAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 3, 2001

2001 BMW 325 — common questions

Is the 2001 BMW 325 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2001 model at #1 of 27 325 years. It is one of the 325 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 325 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), airbags (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2001 BMW 325 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 BMW 325. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 325 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 325 years to avoid are 2001, 1987, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among 325 years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.