VehicleVerdict

2002 BMW 525iA problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2002 BMW 525iA — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 525iA years?

525iA NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted6 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 4 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 4 complaints
525iA NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 525iA years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 BMW 525iA problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags375%
Engine125%

Does the 2002 BMW 525iA have recalls?

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

01V352000Tires & WheelsNovember 26, 2001 · 1,318 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DURING THE TIRE MOUNTING PROCESS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH STANDARD (NON-SPORT) SUSPENSION AND EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTITOURINGCONTACT CH95 ECOPLUS TIRES, SIZE 225/65R16 95H, HAVING DOT CODES 4001, 4101, OR 4201, THE OUTER SIDEWALL SURFACE OF THE TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT BY A SHARP EDGE. OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF INFLATION PRESSURE.

Consequence

CONTINUED DRIVING WITH LOW INFLATION PRESSURE IN THE TIRE COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, AND COULD IN SOME CASES RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FIVE TIRES FOR A POSSIBLE CUT IN THE SIDEWALL, AND IF A CUT IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 (NA) BMW 525IA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 15, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525IA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 18, 2016

2002 BMW 525iA — common questions

Is the 2002 BMW 525iA reliable?

The record is thin — 4 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 525iA have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 BMW 525iA. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.