BMW 325i problems and recalls by year
590 owner complaints since 2005, most for the 2006 (515); 10 recalls, 6 investigations.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported system |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | Seats |
| 2011 | 1 | 3 | Air bags |
| 2010 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 3 | Engine |
| 2007 | 1 | 3 | Tires |
| 2006 | 515 | 7 | Air bags |
| 2005 | 71 | 4 | Air bags |
Years with 100+ complaints
2006 325i: 515 complaints
12 crashes, 21 fires, 8 injuries · 24V513000, 20V017000, 19V273000, 14V428000, 17V676000, 17V428000, 13V564000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 209 | 85,000 |
| Electrical system | 80 | 86,000 |
| Engine | 50 | 109,000 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 43 | 54,000 |
| Steering | 39 | 81,000 |
| Seat belts | 38 | 90,000 |
| Air bags › Frontal | 37 | 60,000 |
| Unknown or other | 32 | 100,000 |
10 recall campaigns since 2005
April 4, 2019 · 19V273000 · 2006 · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge.
June 11, 2018 · 14V428000 · 2005–2006 · Air bags · do not drive
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;…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge.
July 6, 2017 · 17V428000 · 2006 · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.
May 28, 2015 · 15V318000 · 2005 · Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module · do not drive
Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge.
August 26, 2011 · 11V438000 · 2005 · Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Exterior lighting › Tail lights; Exterior lighting › Turn signal
OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.
Shared, in full on the sibling's page:
Defect investigations
0 of 6 open.
| Investigation | Years | Opened | Subject | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA15001 | 2005–2006 | February 24, 2015 | Air Bag Inflator Rupture | Closing date not recorded |
| PE14016 | 2005–2006 | June 11, 2014 | Air Bag Inflator Rupture | Closed |
| EA09019 | 2005 | December 18, 2009 | Rear Lamp Illumination | Closed |
| PE09036 | 2005 | August 7, 2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | Closed |
| DP09002 | 2005 | April 8, 2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | Closed |
| EA08001 | 2006 | January 4, 2008 | BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION | Closed |
Complaints are unverified owner reports, and a recall names a model year, not a car: for one car, decode its VIN here or look it up at NHTSA. BMW models.
Data: NHTSA, October 17, 2026.