2001 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 3 Series has 1 safety recall and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 3 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW 3 Series recalls

Recall 21V-401: Air Bags

Reported May 27, 2021 · 4,511 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2001 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	8
Exterior Lighting	8
Electrical System	6
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Suspension	3
Power Train	3
Wheels	3
Tires	2
Structure	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Service Brakes	2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	2

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 117,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 BMW 3 Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · at 117,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2018

Complete disintegration of of a hanook ventus s1 noble while traveling at approximately 30 MPH. Tire did not hit any obstacles, nor was the tire. Under or over inflated. Driven 17,000 miles before failure

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 116,700 miles · reported Aug 26, 2018

While driving about 70 MPH in a straight line on the highway, the dynamic stability control light turned on and the car jerked and stuttered almost as if it was braking on its own or locking up. This occurred twice today and is a significant safety issue as it was unexpected and could have LED to a loss of control, while driving at a significant speed on the interstate. Bmw should have to do something about whatever is causing this problem.

Electrical System · at 68,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2017

Our 2001 e46 has electronic door locks which are failing. My wife has found herself locked inside the car, unable to open the door. The locks freeze, and cannot be manually unlocked, trapping the occupant in the car. There is no mechanical override to the system. The incident occurred when she turned the car off and tried to open the drivers door to exit the vehicle.

Air Bags · reported Mar 27, 2017

I took it to bmw dealer to fix the recall part--air bag module on may 01,2015, next day I went to pickup the car, they told me it is done. I had not look at the paper work. After the day before, I received final recall again, and then I look up the document, then I found out dealer had not change the air bag module for me. The paper type in " dealer is not authorized to perform recall repairs for non dealer brand vehicle"? I don't understand why??

Air Bags · at 6 miles · reported Jan 10, 2016

Was driving on hwy 99 getting ready to exit on jensen ave when I felt a bump then my driver curtain/ door airbag deployed. After further inspection I found damaged to the diver's rim and tire, brakes have been clicking ever since and suspension seems to be affected as well since car is been shaking and tilting to that side

Other BMW 3 Series years

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Compare all BMW 3 Series years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 BMW 3 Series: 21V-401 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW 3 Series?

Owners report air bags problems most often (8 reports), followed by exterior lighting (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 117,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.