2001 BMW 328i recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 328i has 3 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 20V-018 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 328i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW 328i 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.

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 19V-853: Air Bags

Reported Nov 26, 2019 · 74,185 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result 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: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2001 BMW 328i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Unknown or Other1
Tires1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,230 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 328i complaints

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

Power Train · at 36,230 miles · reported Jul 31, 2003
Rear differential failure at 33k miles while traveling at 65mph, causing loss of control and near accident with other vehicles. Bmwna states no liability for incident and ignores the factory warranty on a 2000 module year 3 series. I was required to pay for all damages and new parts. I have the original differential showing the shattered pinion gear. I was lucky someone else might kill someone on the road because bmw refuses to accept a problem.
Tires · reported Jul 30, 2001
While driving, tire blewup and the whole outer wall of the tire fell apart at its entire circumference. The car became difficult to control and luckily we prevented a major crash due to it. (Dot number: lmujp5b7 tiresize: 245/40zr17)
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jul 24, 2001
Ambient temp was 75 degrees. Traffic was stop and go. Steam was streaming from under the hood. Service engine light and low coolant line illuminated.
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jul 9, 2001
Vehicle overheated while seating in traffic at a red light, with the A/C on. The car had not been running for more than 10 minutes. The car was exactly one month old when this occured.

Other BMW 328i years

Compare all BMW 328i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 328i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 328i: 21V-401 (air bags), 20V-018 (air bags), 19V-853 (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 328i?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (2 reports), followed by unknown or other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,230 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.