2001 BMW 325xi recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 325xi has 2 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 20V-018, recall 14V-428 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
0 / 2
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 325xi vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW 325xi recalls

Recall 20V-018: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jan 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 14V-428: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jun 11, 2018 · 574,007 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2001 BMW 325xi problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting5
Electrical System4
Air Bags2
Service Brakes1
Structure1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Power Train1
Seat Belts1
Suspension1
Engine1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 143,000 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 325xi complaints

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

Tires · reported Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325XI equipped with Primewell Tires, Tire Line: Valera Touring II, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while inflating the passenger’s side front tire, air was leaking from cracks on the sidewall of the tire. The tire was not replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17T013000 (Tires) and 16T017000 (Tires) however, the contact did not receive the recall notifications. The failure mileage was not…
Air Bags · at 198,000 miles · reported Jul 22, 2017
I received a recall notice from bmw and brought the car in to them at bmw o f sudbury, sudbury ma under recall 17v-047 driver's air bag module on july 19, 2017, but they returned the car without replacing the air bag - they said they didn't have to do it.
Electrical System · at 176,000 miles · reported May 11, 2017
I think I know why the car catches on fire since mine almost did and I troubleshoot the problem. The alternator is not disconnected from the battery when the ignition key is turned off and the car is parked in the driveway. If the alternator ever overheats for any reason (Such as the cooling vent comes loose), the pass transistor in the built in regulator of the alternator begins to short. Since it is never disconnected from the battery (Even with the ignition key removed) the fist symptom appears to be a bad battery as the alternator kills the battery. Especially if you replace the battery…
Suspension · at 134,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2017
Second rear coil failure. First was 4/2007 at 39800 mi (Ref odi 10189296). Exactly same location in coil as last time. Corroded cracked surface (>95%) indicates part failed long before the coil end broke off and flew out of car. Final failure was under braking. Part was forcebly ejected and could have injured a bystander or oncoming vehicle.
Electrical System · at 115,000 miles · reported Mar 9, 2017
I was locked inside my car tonight. I entered my car through the unlocked driver's door. Other doors were locked. Started engine and left my driveway. Driver's door locked automatically. When I attempted to exit my car, the doors would not unlock. Door handle pulled as if disengaged to any mechanical connection other than return spring. I attempted to unlock doors with the center console switch to no avail. Turned off engine, removed key and attempted to unlock with fob to no avail. Attempted door pull on other three doors with results the same as previously described. I returned home to my…

Other BMW 325xi years

Compare all BMW 325xi years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 325xi have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 BMW 325xi: 20V-018 (air bags), 14V-428 (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 325xi?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (5 reports), followed by electrical system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 143,000 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.