U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 325 steering problems

10 complaint narratives mention steering terms.

Key facts

223 owner complaints analyzed

11 distinct recall campaigns

105,050 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1984 to 2012 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 48 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Steering behavior evidence

10 of 223 complaints match this topic (4.5%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 701068 · 1998-12-02 (December 2, 1998)

DRIVING AT 55 MPH, ALL INSTRUMENTS READING NORMAL, HEARD A "BANG" , LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND BRAKES,POWER STEERING. WAS NOT TIMING BELT BECAUSE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING TO ARREST VEHICLE TACHOMETER WAS WORKING. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART IN NEUTRAL WHILE COASTING, NOR WOULD IT "POP" START. COASTED TO A STOP USING EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN STOPPED, NOTICED FLAMES FROM UNDER HOOD. LEFT VEHICLE AND WATCHED IT BURN TO OBLIVION. CAUSE OF FIRE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, INSURANCE WON'T INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT ANY COVERAGE FOR FIRE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 701068 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10162706 · 2006-07-17 (July 17, 2006)

REGARDING MY 1990 BMW 325 CONVERTIBLE. THE COVERING UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL ABOVE THE PEDALS WILL FALL ON MY FEET WHEN I AM DRIVING, MY FEET GET CAUGHT AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND PUSH THE COVERING OFF MY FEET AND SHOVE IT BACK OVER THE PEDALS. THERE IS A PLACE FOR IT TO LOCK INTO EXCEPT TO SIT ABOVE THE PEDALS. IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN MY FEET GET CAUGHT, I AM CONSTANTLY MOVING MY FEET TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL. I WAS GETTING MY OIL CHANGED AND THE PERSON WORKING THERE SAID HE ALSO HAD THAT PROBLEM WITH HIS BMW 325 CONVERTIBLE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10162706 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 802846 · 1996-09-24 (September 24, 1996)

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING LOCKED UP DUE TO SOMETHING INSIDE THE AIR BAG MECHANISM BREAKING.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 802846 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 980705 · 1996-03-14 (March 14, 1996)

THE STEERING IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL, CLUTCH SLIPPED IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND MAKES A GRAINDING NOISE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 980705 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 982788 · 1996-04-16 (April 16, 1996)

CONSUMER WAS IN AND ACCIDENT AND THE STEERING GEAR NEED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 982788 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

21.5%Usable mileage48 / 223 records

87.9%Valid incident date196 / 223 records

100.0%Valid filing date223 / 223 records

87.9%Ordered incident and filing dates196 / 223 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	113,500–175,500 mi	150,000 mi	7	ODI 10300335 · 87,000 mi TLTHE 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Electrical System	49,000–144,500 mi	98,000 mi	12	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 10/29/13LJ Look up ODI 10533022 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10748951 · 240,003 mi HAD JUST PARKED THE CAR AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD IS BURNED. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS CAUGHT THE HOLE THING. Look up ODI 10748951 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	Too few reports for a range	145,000 mi	1 (sparse)	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 ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	120,000–198,880 mi	145,000 mi	5	ODI 10249961 · 198,880 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 BMW 325. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BACKFIRE AND LOSE POWER. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO HESITATE AND SHAKE WHEN IT WAS INITIALLY STARTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 206,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,880. Look up ODI 10249961 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10405370 · 120,000 mi CAR LOST POWER DUE TO PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. CAR HAS 120,000 MILES AND NEW TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REQUIRED AT 55,000 IN 2000. BMW 3 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF TRANSMISSIONS SUDDENLY FAILING IN 3 SERIES. TR Look up ODI 10405370 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗

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	Air Bags:Frontal	Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	Vehicle Speed Control	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Seats
Air Bags	—	2 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 10916014 · 171,000 mi WAS HAVING A SERIES OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND CODES POP UP AND MY VEHICLE. INCLUDING THE AIRBAG LIGHT ALUMINATE. I POPPED THE TRUNK TO FIND THE BATTERY TERMINAL MELTED. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON BATTERY TERMINALS. ALTHOUGH THE RECALL IF SHE FROM CARS 2007 TO 2011 MY 2006 BMW EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT. Look up ODI 10916014 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	2 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 10916014 · 171,000 mi WAS HAVING A SERIES OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND CODES POP UP AND MY VEHICLE. INCLUDING THE AIRBAG LIGHT ALUMINATE. I POPPED THE TRUNK TO FIND THE BATTERY TERMINAL MELTED. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON BATTERY TERMINALS. ALTHOUGH THE RECALL IF SHE FROM CARS 2007 TO 2011 MY 2006 BMW EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT. Look up ODI 10916014 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	0	0	0	0	—	0	1 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 ↗	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 805914 WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED ENGINE SURGING, AS THOUGH IN NEUTRAL GEAR, ALSO EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION HESITATION WHILE ACCELERATING. AK JB Look up ODI 805914 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	0	1 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 ↗	1 ODI 805914 WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED ENGINE SURGING, AS THOUGH IN NEUTRAL GEAR, ALSO EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION HESITATION WHILE ACCELERATING. AK JB Look up ODI 805914 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 515007 THE RADIO "STATION" LIGHT BROKE. Look up ODI 515007 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	0	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 515007 THE RADIO "STATION" LIGHT BROKE. Look up ODI 515007 at NHTSA ↗	—

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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

10 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 72,156 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 962818

VEHICLE STALLS IN TRAFFIC DUE TO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP. TT

Look up ODI 962818 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 484231

VEHICLE STALLS ON A CONSISTENT BASIS, EVEN WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING/UP TO 60 MPH. *DSH

Look up ODI 484231 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10405370 · 120,000 mi

CAR LOST POWER DUE TO PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. CAR HAS 120,000 MILES AND NEW TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REQUIRED AT 55,000 IN 2000. BMW 3 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF TRANSMISSIONS SUDDENLY FAILING IN 3 SERIES. *TR

Look up ODI 10405370 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 157,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10042844 · 82,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING OIL LIGHT CAME ON AFTER BEING SERVICED 5 DAYS AGO. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR PROBLEMS.*AK

Look up ODI 10042844 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 708645

THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON CONSTANTLY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL OTHER BMW OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND YEAR MODEL WHO HAVE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. APPARENTLY THERE IS A SENSOR CONNECTED TO THE SEATBELT WHICH OFTEN GOES BAD, WHICH THEN TRIGGERS THE DASH WARNING LIGHT. *AK

Look up ODI 708645 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10290524 · 219,000 mi

2001 BMW 325I WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR PREVIOUS SIGNS LOST ITS REVERSE GEAR WITH NO WARNING FOR MY COLLEGE AGE STUDENT AT A DEAD END ROAD. *TR

Look up ODI 10290524 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 825760

WAS PULLING FROM STOP LIGHT, HAD APPLIED BRAKES SUDDENLY AND BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED & BROKE DRIVER'S ARM. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. PLASTIC HOUSING OF CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BROKEN. *AK

Look up ODI 825760 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 976221

ABS, BRAKE CALIPERS ON THE FRONT LOCKUP AT HWY SPEED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH,ALSO LOSS OF BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. TT

Look up ODI 976221 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10042613

THE CONSUMER FEELS THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THIS HAS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO PRESS THEM BOTH AT THE SAME TIME WHICH CAUSED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER ALSO FEEL THE BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SHOULD BE ADJUSTABLE. *MR *NLM

Look up ODI 10042613 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

3 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 959782

CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE, DUE TO FUEL LINE, SMELLED FUEL BEFORE FIRE. TT

Look up ODI 959782 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 700424

ABLE TO SMELL THE GAS FUME, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE FUEL LEAKAGE MAY BE RELATED TO THE TYPE OF GASOLINE ADDITIVE (NTBE?) IN THE CALIFORNIA,

Look up ODI 700424 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 514234

FUEL RAIL FAILED, CAUSING FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Look up ODI 514234 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 106,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 701068

Look up ODI 701068 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 802846

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING LOCKED UP DUE TO SOMETHING INSIDE THE AIR BAG MECHANISM BREAKING.*AK

Look up ODI 802846 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11091982 · 106,000 mi

I WAS TRYING TO WAIT UNTIL A REMEMBER WAS AVAILABLE BUT I'M PREGNANT AND NOW THESE ISSUES HAVE GOTTEN WORSE AND ARE MORE IMPERATIVE MY CAR IS NOW SMOKING AS I DRIVE THE POWER STEERING IS NOW AFFECTED I JUST PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON IT STOPPED RANDOMLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ALL ISSUES WHICH ARENT ACCEPTABLE PERIOD BUT ARE WORSE GIVEN MY CURRENT PHYSICAL STATE

Look up ODI 11091982 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 117,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 970346

THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND THE CAR LURCHED AND RUNS AT HIGH RPMS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Look up ODI 970346 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10823451 · 117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 325. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY INTO THE DIRECTION OF THE SLOPING ROAD. THE SUB FRAME REMAINED PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE SUSPENSION NOT TO PROPERLY SUPPORT THE VEHICLE'S MOVEMENT. IN ADDITION, UPON ACCELERATION, THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE JERKED UP AND DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE DAMAGED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE REAR AXEL PULLING ON THE REAR TIRE AS A RESULT OF THE LOOSE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR …

Look up ODI 10823451 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule