VehicleVerdict

2002 BMW 328i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2002 BMW 328i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 328i years?

328i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted797 complaints1996: 36 complaints1997: 29 complaints1998: 34 complaints1999: 125 complaints2000: 146 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 571 complaints2008: 375 complaints2009: 297 complaints2010: 229 complaints2011: 797 complaints2012: 196 complaints2013: 389 complaints2014: 235 complaints2015: 197 complaints2016: 95 complaints
328i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 328i years to avoid →

Does the 2002 BMW 328i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V018000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 292,948 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

2002 BMW 328i — common questions

Is the 2002 BMW 328i reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 BMW 328i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 BMW 328i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 328i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 328i years to avoid are 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2010, 2015, 2012, 2016. The cleanest record among 328i years belongs to 2006.

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.