VehicleVerdict

2002 BMW 325 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median 325 year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 27 325 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), airbags (6), and visibility & wipers (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 325 years?

325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 325 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 BMW 325 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags620%
Electrical System620%
Visibility & Wipers310%
Latches & Locks310%
Lighting27%
Steering27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Engine27%
Suspension13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2002 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EVIDENCE OF A FIRE WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND BURN MARKS WERE PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 1, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EVIDENCE OF A FIRE WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND BURN MARKS WERE PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2014 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 26, 2004

“BEGINNING MID-SUMMER 2010, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN WORKING ERRATICALLY. THE SITUATION HAS PROGRESSED AND OFTEN I MUST REACH THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CENTER LOCKING SYSTEM ALSO DOES NOT RESPOND. THIS IA A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS HAZARD AS A PERSON COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · July 1, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BMW 323. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 12, 2005

2002 BMW 325 — common questions

Is the 2002 BMW 325 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 27 325 years. It is one of the 325 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 325 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 BMW 325 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 BMW 325. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 BMW 325 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.