There are no safety recalls for the 2002 BMW 3 Series, but owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 6 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Equipment › Electrical — 1
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 92,000 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 2002 BMW 3 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Steering · at 150,000 miles · reported May 22, 2018
The steering wheel resists turning back to the left after a right turn. The problem is getting worse. It is my daily driver and every week the resistance is harder to overcome. It is getting very concerning about the safety aspects of this problem.
Air Bags · reported Jan 26, 2018
2002 bmw 3 series. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and requested information about any addtional recalls.
Suspension · at 92,000 miles · reported Nov 24, 2017
Michelin pilot sport a/s plus tires 275/30/19 on bmw m3 had blow out on freeway at normal speeds of 65 MPH. Could hear rubber whipping the road just prior to the abruptly bursting. Had tires inspected and technician found excessive cracking near the tread and center wear-bar had pitting in the rubber (15,622 miles). Car is seldom driven and always garaged (Climate controlled). Tire store had seen identical issues in the past with same tire. Did not want to replace with same tires that potentially have the same issue. Lost warranty credits to purchase another brand for family safety. These…
Electrical System · at 129,000 miles · reported May 15, 2017
I opened the passenger door in the morning after the car had been parked overnight. I had a hockey bag with approximately 25 lbs of equipment sitting on the passenger seat which I removed from the car and closed the door. I forgot something and went back to the car, about 40 seconds later, and saw a cloud of white smoke at the ceiling and I opened the door. The car had a strong smell of burning plastic/electronics. Whatever was burning stopped and there was no visible flame. I checked all the electrical switches and all the equipment seemed to work fine and no fuses were blown. The burning…
Service Brakes · at 130,000 miles · reported Feb 28, 2017
While driving in the rain, the mk60 ABS/dsc unit failed leaving me without stability control and antilock brakes. Very unsafe.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 BMW 3 Series as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW 3 Series?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by air bags (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 92,000 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.