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2002 BMW 3 Series AIR BAGS Recalls

4 recalls Highest severity: High Priority

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service for AIR BAGS issues.

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AIR BAGS Safety Recalls

High Priority #20V018000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle has a faulty air bag inflator that could explode and cause serious injury or death. This is a safety recall for a part called the passenger side air bag inflator.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into your body, which could cause serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
You should visit your local dealership for a free replacement of the passenger side air bag inflator, which is a required safety fix to ensure your protection in the event of an accident.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #14V428000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a frontal crash to protect the passenger seat occupant. However, in certain models, the airbag's inflator could over-pressurize and rupture, sending sharp metal fragments into the passenger area.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the airbag inflator could burst and send sharp metal fragments into the passenger area, potentially causing serious injury to the passenger or other occupants in the vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty passenger side airbag with a new one, free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until you've had the repair done. You'll be notified when the repair is ready, and you can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com if you have any questions.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V318000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The inflator module in your vehicle is what makes the airbag deploy in a crash. In certain 2002-2006 models, this part can let water in, which might cause it to break apart and send sharp metal pieces flying.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in a crash that needs the airbag to deploy, it could fail and send metal shards into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag module with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible, and don't drive your vehicle until it's been fixed. This timing describes the original 2015 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #13V172000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side air bag in your vehicle is the safety device that deploys to cushion the passenger in case of a crash. Unfortunately, in some 2002-2003 models, the air bag's inflator might get too full of pressure, causing it to explode and send sharp metal fragments towards the passenger or other occupants when it's triggered.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag ruptures in a crash, it could severely injure the passenger or other people nearby, putting them at serious risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty passenger air bag with a safe one, at no cost to you. Don't drive your vehicle until you've scheduled the repair, which will be done as after confirming availability with your dealer as replacement parts are available in July. This timing describes the original 2013 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Other BMW 3 Series 2002 Recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 recall
SUSPENSION
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall

Other BMW 3 Series Years

2025
1 recall
2024
3 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2021
10 recalls
2020
15 recalls
2019
9 recalls
2018
6 recalls
2017
3 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
8 recalls
2014
12 recalls
2013
9 recalls
2012
8 recalls
2011
11 recalls
2010
9 recalls
2009
7 recalls
2008
6 recalls
2007
7 recalls
2006
11 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
5 recalls
2003
8 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
7 recalls

Similar AIR BAGS Recalls in Other Vehicles

2010 HONDA CR-V
96 AIR BAGS recalls
2011 HONDA CR-V
96 AIR BAGS recalls
2003 HONDA Odyssey
96 AIR BAGS recalls
2004 HONDA Accord
88 AIR BAGS recalls
2005 HONDA Accord
88 AIR BAGS recalls
2003 ACURA MDX
80 AIR BAGS recalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2002 BMW 3 Series safe to drive?

This model year has 4 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2002 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #20V018000)

Your vehicle has a faulty air bag inflator that could explode and cause serious injury or death. This is a safety recall for a part called the passenger side air bag inflator. If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into your body, which could cause serious injury or even death. You should visit your local dealership for a free replacement of the passenger side air bag inflator, which is a required safety fix to ensure your protection in the event of an accident.

What is the AIR BAGS recall for the 2002 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #14V428000)

The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a frontal crash to protect the passenger seat occupant. However, in certain models, the airbag's inflator could over-pressurize and rupture, sending sharp metal fragments into the passenger area. If this happens, the airbag inflator could burst and send sharp metal fragments into the passenger area, potentially causing serious injury to the passenger or other occupants in the vehicle. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty passenger side airbag with a new one, free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until you've had the repair done. You'll be notified when the repair is ready, and you can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com if you have any questions.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2002 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #15V318000)

The inflator module in your vehicle is what makes the airbag deploy in a crash. In certain 2002-2006 models, this part can let water in, which might cause it to break apart and send sharp metal pieces flying. If you're in a crash that needs the airbag to deploy, it could fail and send metal shards into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag module with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible, and don't drive your vehicle until it's been fixed. This timing describes the original 2015 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the AIR BAGS recall for the 2002 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #13V172000)

The passenger side air bag in your vehicle is the safety device that deploys to cushion the passenger in case of a crash. Unfortunately, in some 2002-2003 models, the air bag's inflator might get too full of pressure, causing it to explode and send sharp metal fragments towards the passenger or other occupants when it's triggered. If the air bag ruptures in a crash, it could severely injure the passenger or other people nearby, putting them at serious risk of serious injury. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty passenger air bag with a safe one, at no cost to you. Don't drive your vehicle until you've scheduled the repair, which will be done as after confirming availability with your dealer as replacement parts are available in July. This timing describes the original 2013 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.