U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Bmw 325 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

26 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

55,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 19 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 26 complaints (19.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	3	11.5%
Electrical and battery issues	3	11.5%
Transmission and shifting	2	7.7%
Braking behavior	1	3.8%
Steering behavior	1	3.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Electrical System

Latches/Locks/Linkages

Exterior Lighting

Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module

Electrical System:Wiring

Engine

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags	5
Electrical System	5
Latches/Locks/Linkages	3
Exterior Lighting	2
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls	2
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	1
Electrical System:Wiring	1
Engine	1

Air Bags: 5; Electrical System: 5; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 3; Exterior Lighting: 2; Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls: 2; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Engine: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 2

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2010

2011

2014

2015

2016

2017

2002: 2; 2003: 2; 2004: 4; 2005: 3; 2010: 2; 2011: 3; 2014: 5; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 3

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10060156 · 2004-03-02 (March 2, 2004)

MY 2002 BMW 325CI ENGINE STALLED AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT THE FREEWAY. THE DASH LIGHTS LIT UP AND MY ENGINE SHUTOFF. AS I WAS ROLLING TO A STOP (GOOD THING NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OR BEHIND ME), I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH STEPTRONIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME A FEW MONTHS BACK WHEN LEAVING A GAS STATION WHERE I NEEDED TO COME TO A STOP AND PRESSED THE BRAKE AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I DIDN'T THINK OF IT…

Owner-reported narrative. 24,312 miles reported. Look up ODI 10060156 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10107619 · 2005-01-20 (January 20, 2005)

I HAVE A 2002 BMW 325CI WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH ABOUT 22000 MILES. MY CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE IT WAS MOVING. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. IT DIDN'T RESPOND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS. I HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE BEFORE IT WILL RUN AGAIN. AND THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND ENGINE OIL LIGHT WENT AWAY. THIS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO MY CAR TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS ON A FREEWAY AT OVER 65 MPH. I THINK THAT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE PUT MY CAR IN PETER PAN BMW…

Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10107619 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016839 · 2003-05-01 (May 1, 2003)

ELECTRICAL HARNESS FAILURE

Owner-reported narrative. 15,650 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016839 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10124498 · 2005-06-07 (June 7, 2005)

DT: WHEN VEHICLE HAD ONLY 33 MILES EVERY SINGLE DUMMY LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND DIED OUT. IT HAD BEEN TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS IN DIFFERENT STATES , AND THEY SAID IT WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WHILE GOING 65 MPH ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE STOPPED. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, AND VEHICLE ALMOST HIT SOMEONE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 31,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10124498 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 756694 · 2002-01-11 (January 11, 2002)

THE STEERING COLUMN IS KINKED AN INCH TO THE LEFT. I DO NOT MEAN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO ONE O'CLOCK, I MEAN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL IS 1 INCH CLOSER TO THE DASH BOARD THAN THE RIGHT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THE COLUMN IS WHERE IT SHOULD BE UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER SAID THAT A NUMBER OF COUPES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I SPOKE TO BMW THEY SAID TALK WITH THE DEALER. I HAVE ASKED FOR A LETTER TO SAY THIS IS SAFE AND BMW HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE SUCH A LETTER.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 756694 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

26 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

73.1%Usable mileage19 / 26 records

100.0%Valid incident date26 / 26 records

100.0%Valid filing date26 / 26 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates26 / 26 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	412.9% ODI 10300335 · 87,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325 WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED WHENEVER SOMEONE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE IS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE A PART OF THE RECALL SINCE THE LATER MODEL 3 SERIES HAS THE SAME PLATFORM AS THE 2001 MODEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. Look up ODI 10300335 at NHTSA ↗	519.2% ODI 10633656 · 80,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WHERE HE SUSTAINED BRUISING ON HIS NECK, THE SHOULDERS AND A SEVERE CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10633656 at NHTSA ↗	444.4% ODI 10668766 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. Look up ODI 10668766 at NHTSA ↗	337.5% ODI 10837211 · 150,000 mi INTERMITTENT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CAR SAYS AIR BAG IS DISABLED. SEEMS LIKE SAME ISSUE AS PREVIOUS NHSTA CAMPAIGN 13V-564 BUT THIS PARTICULAR VIN IS CURRENTLY COVERED. PLEASE EXPAND RECALL TO INCLUDE MY VIN. Look up ODI 10837211 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10850529 TAKATA RECALL WEBSITE STATES NO FIX AVAILABLE HOW LONG DO THEY HAVE TO FIX THIS SITUATION? Look up ODI 10850529 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	125.0% ODI 10533022 · 14,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PLACING HER KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 10/29/13*LJ Look up ODI 10533022 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	26.5% ODI 10734983 SPECIFIC MONITOR LIGHTS REMAIN ON EVEN AFTER BEING CHECKED AND CLEARED. AN ASTERISK TYPE ICON SHOWS UP NEXT TO THE PRND PANEL AND SLOWS DOWN VEHICLE WHERE AS YOU NEED TO PUT MUCH PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO MOVE SLIGHTLY,PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING OFF ENGINE FOR 2 MINS REMOVES THE ICON AND ISSUE, BUT MOSTLY THESE ARE UNPREDICTABLE OCCURRENCES.THE BODY OF CAR ICON LIGHTS STAY ON INDICATING THE CARS BACK LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING, EVEN AFTER FIXING LIGHTS. THE CAR'S RECALL #14V428 ; PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS OF YET. CUR… Look up ODI 10734983 at NHTSA ↗	519.2% ODI 10124498 · 31,000 mi DT: WHEN VEHICLE HAD ONLY 33 MILES EVERY SINGLE DUMMY LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND DIED OUT. IT HAD BEEN TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS IN DIFFERENT STATES , AND THEY SAID IT WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WHILE GOING 65 MPH ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE STOPPED. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, AND VEHICLE ALMOST HIT SOMEONE. *AK Look up ODI 10124498 at NHTSA ↗	333.3% ODI 11093479 · 125,000 mi DANGEROUS DEATH TRAP!!! I GOT STUCK IN MY CAR BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IF THE UNLOCK MECHANISM FAILS. THERE ARE MANY COMPAINTS OF THE SAME FOR THE E46 BMW MODELS. WE HAD TO CRAWL OF WINDOWS AND LUCKILY THOSE WORKED. AS DESIGNED, YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOORS IF ITHE MODULE FAILS AND THERE IS NOT MECHANICAL OVERRIDE TO UNLOCK. THERE IS NOT DOOR KEY FOR PASSENGER DOORS AS WELL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, I AM LOOKING TO GET IT FIXED BUT IT WORKS SOMETIMES. Look up ODI 11093479 at NHTSA ↗	337.5% ODI 10862431 · 108,000 mi FOOT WELL MODULE AND JUNCTION BOX ELECTRICAL SHORT. SOME LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN IF THE CAR IS OFF SOME SIGNALS DONT WORK, ONE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT DOES NOT WORK, REAR WINDOWS WORK SOMETIMES AND DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDO DOES NOT WORK A ALL, ECT Look up ODI 10862431 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	26.5% ODI 8009100 FRONT RIGHT COLLISION AT 25-30 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES TO FACE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS OVER $ 20000.00.AK TT Look up ODI 8009100 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core	125.0% ODI 8021036 CONSUMER STATES THAT WATER IS LEAKING ON THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE ONTO THE CARPET. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS BEEN OVER HEATING. CONSUMER FEELS ITS THE HEATER CORE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS Look up ODI 8021036 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1135.5% ODI 10273937 · 145,000 mi RECALL DATE: 09-28-2001 UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: 1,550 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V138000 DEFECTIVE PART OR COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESUL… Look up ODI 10273937 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	26.5% ODI 10273937 · 145,000 mi RECALL DATE: 09-28-2001 UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: 1,550 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V138000 DEFECTIVE PART OR COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESUL… Look up ODI 10273937 at NHTSA ↗	13.8% ODI 10060156 · 24,312 mi MY 2002 BMW 325CI ENGINE STALLED AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT THE FREEWAY. THE DASH LIGHTS LIT UP AND MY ENGINE SHUTOFF. AS I WAS ROLLING TO A STOP (GOOD THING NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OR BEHIND ME), I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH STEPTRONIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME A FEW MONTHS BACK WHEN LEAVING A GAS STATION WHERE I NEEDED TO COME TO A STOP AND PRESSED THE BRAKE AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I DIDN'T THINK OF IT… Look up ODI 10060156 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seats	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	140,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10633656 · 80,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WHERE HE SUSTAINED BRUISING ON HIS NECK, THE SHOULDERS AND A SEVERE CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10633656 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10661564 · 140,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EVIDENCE OF A FIRE WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND BURN MARKS WERE PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED AND THE CEILING PANEL WAS BURNED AND HANGING DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. Look up ODI 10661564 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10990525 · 180,000 mi TAKATA RECALL. WE ARE UNDER RECALL 17V047. FOR FOUR MONTHS, WE HAVE BEEN CALLING AND DOING ON-LINE CHATS WITH BMW OF MOBILE (MOBILE, ALABAMA). EVERY CALL OR CHAT ENDS WITH THEM ASKING FOR OUR PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS. THEY SAY THEY WILL CONTACT US SHORTLY WITH INFO ON WHEN OR IF THE RECALL CAN BE DONE. THEY HAVE NEVER ONCE CALLED OR EMAILED US BACK. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT IT MIGHT TAKE A WHILE, BUT THEY COULD AT LEAST LET US KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THIS DANGEROUS CAR. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS, OR DO … Look up ODI 10990525 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	31,000–88,000 mi	55,000 mi	5	ODI 10124498 · 31,000 mi DT: WHEN VEHICLE HAD ONLY 33 MILES EVERY SINGLE DUMMY LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND DIED OUT. IT HAD BEEN TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS IN DIFFERENT STATES , AND THEY SAID IT WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WHILE GOING 65 MPH ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE STOPPED. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, AND VEHICLE ALMOST HIT SOMEONE. AK Look up ODI 10124498 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362408 · 88,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS HAVE STOPPED UNLOCKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN UNLOCK THEM SINCE THEY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN USING THE KEY, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, BUT NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92000. Look up ODI 10362408 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10608800 · 55,000 mi NONE OF THE PASSENGER LOCKS OPEN, AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. NO ONE CAN GET OUT. *JS Look up ODI 10608800 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	Too few reports for a range	55,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10358504 · 55,000 mi BEGINNING MID-SUMMER 2010, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN WORKING ERRATICALLY. THE SITUATION HAS PROGRESSED AND OFTEN I MUST REACH THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CENTER LOCKING SYSTEM ALSO DOES NOT RESPOND. THIS IA A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS HAZARD AS A PERSON COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN THE LOCKED VEHICLE AFTER A CRASH BECAUSE THE LOCKS DON'T WORK. TR Look up ODI 10358504 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362408 · 88,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS HAVE STOPPED UNLOCKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN UNLOCK THEM SINCE THEY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN USING THE KEY, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, BUT NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92000. Look up ODI 10362408 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10608800 · 55,000 mi NONE OF THE PASSENGER LOCKS OPEN, AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. NO ONE CAN GET OUT. *JS Look up ODI 10608800 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	113,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10433715 · 125,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT ALL OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT A RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED BY THE END OF OCTOBER FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. Look up ODI 10433715 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10436398 · 101,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED INTERMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000. Look up ODI 10436398 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls	Too few reports for a range	145,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10061563 · 235,000 mi WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10061563 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10663803 · 55,000 mi THIRD WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE ON MY 2002 BMW 325 - THREE DIFFERENT WINDOWS. I FINALLY GOT SICK OF IT AND CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE WINDOWS GO DOWN & YOU CAN'T GET THEM BACK UP. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND EASILY FOUND TONS MORE COMPLAINTS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT BMW SHOULD BE FORCED TO MAKE GOOD ON - IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND ANYONE WHO ALREADY PAID TO FIX IT SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. CHEAP ROTTEN PARTS. HERE'S ONE EXAMPLE OF WHAT I SAW WHEN I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET -. HTTP://REPAIRP… Look up ODI 10663803 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Too few reports for a range	61,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10125034 · 61,000 mi A FRIEND SAT IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT OF MY CAR AND PULLED THE SEAT BELT OUT - A BIT FURTHER THAN NORMAL, BUT NOT THAT FAR (SHE WEIGHS ABOUT 65KG, SO SHE IS NOT OBESE IN ANY WAY). THE AIR BAG LIGHT SUBSEQUENTLY CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ($510) IN ORDER TO REPAIR. THIS WAS DONE AND THE LIGHT WENT "OFF" ONCE MORE - FOR THREE MONTHS. THE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT AS LONG AS THE LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10125034 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	Too few reports for a range	15,650 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10016839 · 15,650 mi ELECTRICAL HARNESS FAILURE Look up ODI 10016839 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2011: 0 complaints · 2012: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2011	0	0	0
2012	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2011	0	0	0
2012	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Electrical System	Latches/Locks/Linkages	Exterior Lighting	Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls	Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Electrical System:Wiring	Engine
Air Bags	—	1 ODI 10661564 · 140,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EVIDENCE OF A FIRE WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND BURN MARKS WERE PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED AND THE CEILING PANEL WAS BURNED AND HANGING DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. Look up ODI 10661564 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10661564 · 140,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EVIDENCE OF A FIRE WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND BURN MARKS WERE PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED AND THE CEILING PANEL WAS BURNED AND HANGING DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. Look up ODI 10661564 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 10362408 · 88,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS HAVE STOPPED UNLOCKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN UNLOCK THEM SINCE THEY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN USING THE KEY, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, BUT NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92000. Look up ODI 10362408 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10608800 · 55,000 mi NONE OF THE PASSENGER LOCKS OPEN, AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. NO ONE CAN GET OUT. JS Look up ODI 10608800 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0
Latches/Locks/Linkages	0	2 ODI 10362408 · 88,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS HAVE STOPPED UNLOCKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN UNLOCK THEM SINCE THEY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN USING THE KEY, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, BUT NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92000. Look up ODI 10362408 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10608800 · 55,000 mi NONE OF THE PASSENGER LOCKS OPEN, AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. NO ONE CAN GET OUT. JS Look up ODI 10608800 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Engine	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 11.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 21,156 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10060156 · 24,312 mi

Look up ODI 10060156 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10107619 · 18,000 mi

Look up ODI 10107619 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10578561

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BMW 323. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10578561 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b