Owners have filed 40 complaints
about the 2002 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA between 2003 and 2018.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the BMW 3 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2002 BMW 3 Series
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
615.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 97,320 mi
Electrical System
615.0%
Median failure at 123,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
37.5%
Median failure at 90,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
37.5%
Median failure at 71,000 miles
Lights
37.5%
Median failure at 72,500 miles
Suspension
37.5%
Median failure at 29,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
37.5%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
Wheels
25.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 111,000 mi
Brakes
25.0%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Steering
25.0%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
25.0%
Median failure at 200,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
12.5%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
12.5%
Median failure at 123,000 miles
Seat Belts
12.5%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
12.5%
Median failure at 200,000 miles
Body & Structure
12.5%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
38.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
617.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
38.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
617.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1029.4%
150,000+ miles
514.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2003peak 7May 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 BMW 3 Series
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
EA09019Opened 18 Dec 2009Closed 28 Sep 2011EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear Lamp Illumination
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in th...
PE09036Opened 7 Aug 2009Closed 22 Dec 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING T...
DP09002Opened 8 Apr 2009Closed 6 Aug 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRI...
EA02012Opened 15 Jul 2002Closed 24 Jun 2003AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYME
THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC FOR DEPLOYING THE SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS.BMW REVISED THE MODULE SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE SPAN OF THE MODEL YEARS 1999 THROUGH 2002 (IDENTIFIED AS MRS2.CA, MRS2.BB, MRS3, MRS3+ AND MRS4).ALTHOUGH MODEL YEAR 1999.5 VEHICLES WITH VERSION MRS2.BB HAD 6.5% OF THE SUBJECT POPULATION, IT ACCOUNTED FOR 29% OF THE TOTAL REPORTS RECEIVED.THE MRS2.BB EXPOSURE ADJUSTED REPORT RATE WAS ALMOST 4 TIMES HIGHER THAN OTHER 3 SERIES AIR BAG MODULE VERSIONS.IN AUGUST 2002, BMW INITIATED A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR 20,500 MODEL 323I AND 328I...
Recalls on the 2002 BMW 3 Series
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000920,070 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag module. The passenger-front airbag module will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201703415,415 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW advises not to drive your vehicle unless this recall repair has been completed. BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. To learn if your vehicle requires repair, owners may: • Visit https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002
Recall 201523030,668 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014-587. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag module. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW advises not to drive your vehicle unless this recall repair has been completed. BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. To learn if your vehicle requires repair, owners may: • Visit https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002
Recall 201429940,915 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash where deployment is warranted, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013148.
Recall 20131483,574 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash where deployment is warranted, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. The defect could also result in a fire causing personal injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag.
Recall 201132220,127 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may experience the loss of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn signal) on the portion of the rear lamp assemblies that are mounted in the body (the portion of the lamps mounted on the trunk are not affected). Failure of any rear lamp function may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, as well as reducing vehicle conspicuity during hours of darkness, which could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an additional electrical ground connection to the rear lamp circuitry. Rear lamp function will be checked and, if necessary, further electrical repair may be necessary, including the replacement of the 8-pin connector housing.
Recall 200205289 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain 325XI vehicles a problem in the manufacturing process of the rear brake rotors may have resulted in the creation of a crack where the brake disc and the parking brake drum meet. Further cracking of the rotor could occur due to braking torque when the vehicle is driven and the brakes are applied. The brake drum, connected to the wheel hub, would completely separate from the disc. If this happened, the wheel would continue to turn, but the disc would stop, and there would be no braking capacity at that wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace both rear brake rotors.
Recall 2002049284 units in Canada
Structure
On certain 325I, 330I, 525I and 530I vehicles during the strut mount manufacturing process, the thrust bearing was not properly positioned and secured. If the suspension is fully unloaded, the front strut could separate from the upper mount. This could affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace both front spring strut upper mounts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 130,000 milesLutcher, LACrash
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING ON A CLOVERLEAF RAMP IN BATON ROUGE, LA. (HWY 61 & FLORIDA BLVD.) WHEN PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. I THEN HIT A DRAIN ON THE CURBING AND BLEW OUT BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRES AND BENT RIMS. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 90* WITH NO RAIN. ( NOT SURE OF EXACT VEHICLE MILEAGE B/C CAR IS IN SHOP) I CAN GET PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10605763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLutcher, LACrash
WHEELS
WAS DRIVING ON A CLOVERLEAF RAMP IN BATON ROUGE, LA. (HWY 61 & FLORIDA BLVD.) WHEN PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. I THEN HIT A DRAIN ON THE CURBING AND BLEW OUT BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRES AND BENT RIMS. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 90* WITH NO RAIN. ( NOT SURE OF EXACT VEHICLE MILEAGE B/C CAR IS IN SHOP) I CAN GET PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10605763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesBothell, WA
STEERING
THE STEERING WHEEL RESISTS TURNING BACK TO THE LEFT AFTER A RIGHT TURN. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. IT IS MY DAILY DRIVER AND EVERY WEEK THE RESISTANCE IS HARDER TO OVERCOME. IT IS GETTING VERY CONCERNING ABOUT THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11097326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fitchburg, MA
AIR BAGS
2002 BMW 3 SERIES. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDTIONAL RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11065149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesRedmond, WA
WHEELS
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS TIRES 275/30/19 ON BMW M3 HAD BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. COULD HEAR RUBBER WHIPPING THE ROAD JUST PRIOR TO THE ABRUPTLY BURSTING. HAD TIRES INSPECTED AND TECHNICIAN FOUND EXCESSIVE CRACKING NEAR THE TREAD AND CENTER WEAR-BAR HAD PITTING IN THE RUBBER (15,622 MILES). CAR IS SELDOM DRIVEN AND ALWAYS GARAGED (CLIMATE CONTROLLED). TIRE STORE HAD SEEN IDENTICAL ISSUES IN THE PAST WITH SAME TIRE. DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE WITH SAME TIRES THAT POTENTIALLY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. LOST WARRANTY CREDITS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER BRAND FOR FAMILY SAFETY. THESE TIRES ARE NOT SAFE AND NEED TO BE REVIEWED FOR MATERIAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN. PARTICULAR VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD A SPARE. ENDANGERMENT FROM POTENTIAL INJURY AND BEING STRANDED IN AN ISOLATED AREA.
NHTSA complaint #11048187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesRedmond, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS TIRES 275/30/19 ON BMW M3 HAD BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. COULD HEAR RUBBER WHIPPING THE ROAD JUST PRIOR TO THE ABRUPTLY BURSTING. HAD TIRES INSPECTED AND TECHNICIAN FOUND EXCESSIVE CRACKING NEAR THE TREAD AND CENTER WEAR-BAR HAD PITTING IN THE RUBBER (15,622 MILES). CAR IS SELDOM DRIVEN AND ALWAYS GARAGED (CLIMATE CONTROLLED). TIRE STORE HAD SEEN IDENTICAL ISSUES IN THE PAST WITH SAME TIRE. DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE WITH SAME TIRES THAT POTENTIALLY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. LOST WARRANTY CREDITS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER BRAND FOR FAMILY SAFETY. THESE TIRES ARE NOT SAFE AND NEED TO BE REVIEWED FOR MATERIAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN. PARTICULAR VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD A SPARE. ENDANGERMENT FROM POTENTIAL INJURY AND BEING STRANDED IN AN ISOLATED AREA.
NHTSA complaint #11048187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesRedmond, WA
SUSPENSION
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS TIRES 275/30/19 ON BMW M3 HAD BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. COULD HEAR RUBBER WHIPPING THE ROAD JUST PRIOR TO THE ABRUPTLY BURSTING. HAD TIRES INSPECTED AND TECHNICIAN FOUND EXCESSIVE CRACKING NEAR THE TREAD AND CENTER WEAR-BAR HAD PITTING IN THE RUBBER (15,622 MILES). CAR IS SELDOM DRIVEN AND ALWAYS GARAGED (CLIMATE CONTROLLED). TIRE STORE HAD SEEN IDENTICAL ISSUES IN THE PAST WITH SAME TIRE. DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE WITH SAME TIRES THAT POTENTIALLY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. LOST WARRANTY CREDITS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER BRAND FOR FAMILY SAFETY. THESE TIRES ARE NOT SAFE AND NEED TO BE REVIEWED FOR MATERIAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN. PARTICULAR VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD A SPARE. ENDANGERMENT FROM POTENTIAL INJURY AND BEING STRANDED IN AN ISOLATED AREA.
NHTSA complaint #11048187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesLake Elmo, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR IN THE MORNING AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT. I HAD A HOCKEY BAG WITH APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF EQUIPMENT SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH I REMOVED FROM THE CAR AND CLOSED THE DOOR. I FORGOT SOMETHING AND WENT BACK TO THE CAR, ABOUT 40 SECONDS LATER, AND SAW A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE AT THE CEILING AND I OPENED THE DOOR. THE CAR HAD A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC/ELECTRONICS. WHATEVER WAS BURNING STOPPED AND THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FLAME. I CHECKED ALL THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHES AND ALL THE EQUIPMENT SEEMED TO WORK FINE AND NO FUSES WERE BLOWN. THE BURNING SEEMED TO COME FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER AS THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF THE SEAT COVER HAVING SMOOTH MARKS ON THE SURFACE (INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL PEBBLE SURFACE) WHERE IT MIGHT HAVE MELTED. I'M NOT SURE IF THE SEATS ARE REAL LEATHER OR SIMULATED.
NHTSA complaint #10985819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWinter Springs, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE MK60 ABS/DSC UNIT FAILED LEAVING ME WITHOUT STABILITY CONTROL AND ANTILOCK BRAKES. VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10957698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWinter Springs, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE MK60 ABS/DSC UNIT FAILED LEAVING ME WITHOUT STABILITY CONTROL AND ANTILOCK BRAKES. VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10957698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,320 milesClifton Heights, PA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A 6 MONTH OLD BABY, I JUST GOT THIS CAR AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON AT IDLE AND WON'T GO AWAY. I KNOW THE FIRST AND ONLY OWNER. I KNOW THAT IT'S BEEN ON FOR A WHILE NOW. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY SON. THIS MUST BE ADRESSED..
NHTSA complaint #10907404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chestertown, MD
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL"-WE ARE THE SECOND OWNERS OF A BMW 325I SERIES, 2002 AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT A DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10854194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ UPDATED 02/23/16.
NHTSA complaint #10811966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesRochester, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CAR STALLS WHEN YOU ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND YOU ARE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. TODAY IT STALLED IN A PARKING LOT BUT THE LAST FEW TIMES IT HAS STALLED IN AN INTERSECTION CREATING A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10722669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN SAN FRANCISCO KEEPS CANCELLING MY APPOINTMENTS FOR MY AIRBAGS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE JUNE. THEY CANNOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE TO HELPING ME GET MY AIRBAGS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10653494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesMelbourne, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
USING KEY FOB TO UNLOCK DOORS, SOMETIMES ONLY DRIVER DOOR UNLOCKS. SOMETIMES NO DOORS UNLOCK/LOCK. INTERIOR MASTER LOCK SWITCH SOMETIMES WORKS SOMETIMES DOES NOT. REPLACED SWITCH TWICE. BEEN IN CAR AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK ANY DOORS TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE USING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS AND EVEN MANUAL IE. DOOR HANDLES. IN A NON STRESSFUL SITUATION, GOT OUT BY ROLLING DOWN WINDOW AND INSERTING KEY IN DRIVER DOOR TO UNLOCK. FOR PANIC SITUATIONS BOUGHT A WINDOW SHATTER TOOL TO BREAK WINDOWS TO GET OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10631344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLutcher, LACrash
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING ON A CLOVERLEAF RAMP IN BATON ROUGE, LA. (HWY 61 & FLORIDA BLVD.) WHEN PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. I THEN HIT A DRAIN ON THE CURBING AND BLEW OUT BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRES AND BENT RIMS. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 90* WITH NO RAIN. ( NOT SURE OF EXACT VEHICLE MILEAGE B/C CAR IS IN SHOP) I CAN GET PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10605763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLutcher, LACrash
WHEELS
WAS DRIVING ON A CLOVERLEAF RAMP IN BATON ROUGE, LA. (HWY 61 & FLORIDA BLVD.) WHEN PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. I THEN HIT A DRAIN ON THE CURBING AND BLEW OUT BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRES AND BENT RIMS. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 90* WITH NO RAIN. ( NOT SURE OF EXACT VEHICLE MILEAGE B/C CAR IS IN SHOP) I CAN GET PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10605763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMT. Airy, MD
POWER TRAIN
THIS IS NOT AS MUCH A COMPLAINT AS A REQUEST FOR HELP. SINCE MARCH OF 2013 I HAVE REPLACED 5 THROTTLE BODIES AND 3 GAS PEDAL SENSORS, ALL OEM PARTS. THE PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY: DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED [55/60] THE EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALL WENT ON. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. RESTARTED, NOW "SERVICE ENGINE, EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE LIGHTS" WERE ON. TURNED OFF, RESTARTED, SAME LIGHTING SITUATION, VERY ROUGH IDLE AND CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE, AS IT WAS STRUGGLING FOR FUEL. UNPLUGGED THE "MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR": CAR STARTED, DISPLAYED NO WARNING LIGHTS, DROVE FINE ABOUT 8 MILES TO REPAIR SHOP. CODE READ SHOWS, "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR", REPLACED..SAME PROBLEM WITHIN MINUTES OF DRIVING. A LITTLE INTERNET RESEARCH ON E46 FINDS THIS AN ALL TO COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10586396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMT. Airy, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS IS NOT AS MUCH A COMPLAINT AS A REQUEST FOR HELP. SINCE MARCH OF 2013 I HAVE REPLACED 5 THROTTLE BODIES AND 3 GAS PEDAL SENSORS, ALL OEM PARTS. THE PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY: DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED [55/60] THE EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALL WENT ON. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. RESTARTED, NOW "SERVICE ENGINE, EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE LIGHTS" WERE ON. TURNED OFF, RESTARTED, SAME LIGHTING SITUATION, VERY ROUGH IDLE AND CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE, AS IT WAS STRUGGLING FOR FUEL. UNPLUGGED THE "MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR": CAR STARTED, DISPLAYED NO WARNING LIGHTS, DROVE FINE ABOUT 8 MILES TO REPAIR SHOP. CODE READ SHOWS, "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR", REPLACED..SAME PROBLEM WITHIN MINUTES OF DRIVING. A LITTLE INTERNET RESEARCH ON E46 FINDS THIS AN ALL TO COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10586396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMT. Airy, MD
ENGINE
THIS IS NOT AS MUCH A COMPLAINT AS A REQUEST FOR HELP. SINCE MARCH OF 2013 I HAVE REPLACED 5 THROTTLE BODIES AND 3 GAS PEDAL SENSORS, ALL OEM PARTS. THE PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY: DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED [55/60] THE EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALL WENT ON. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. RESTARTED, NOW "SERVICE ENGINE, EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE LIGHTS" WERE ON. TURNED OFF, RESTARTED, SAME LIGHTING SITUATION, VERY ROUGH IDLE AND CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE, AS IT WAS STRUGGLING FOR FUEL. UNPLUGGED THE "MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR": CAR STARTED, DISPLAYED NO WARNING LIGHTS, DROVE FINE ABOUT 8 MILES TO REPAIR SHOP. CODE READ SHOWS, "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR", REPLACED..SAME PROBLEM WITHIN MINUTES OF DRIVING. A LITTLE INTERNET RESEARCH ON E46 FINDS THIS AN ALL TO COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10586396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMT. Airy, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS IS NOT AS MUCH A COMPLAINT AS A REQUEST FOR HELP. SINCE MARCH OF 2013 I HAVE REPLACED 5 THROTTLE BODIES AND 3 GAS PEDAL SENSORS, ALL OEM PARTS. THE PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY: DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED [55/60] THE EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALL WENT ON. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. RESTARTED, NOW "SERVICE ENGINE, EML, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE LIGHTS" WERE ON. TURNED OFF, RESTARTED, SAME LIGHTING SITUATION, VERY ROUGH IDLE AND CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE, AS IT WAS STRUGGLING FOR FUEL. UNPLUGGED THE "MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR": CAR STARTED, DISPLAYED NO WARNING LIGHTS, DROVE FINE ABOUT 8 MILES TO REPAIR SHOP. CODE READ SHOWS, "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR", REPLACED..SAME PROBLEM WITHIN MINUTES OF DRIVING. A LITTLE INTERNET RESEARCH ON E46 FINDS THIS AN ALL TO COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10586396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesRoswell, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I LISTED THE WRONG DATE ON COMPLAINT # 10546920, THE DATE SHOULD BE 8/10/2013 NOT 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10546921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesRoswell, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND 3 DASH LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM. I CHECKED AND THE LIGHTS MEANT THE STABILITY CONTROL WASN'T WORKING (FIRST TIME THIS EVER HAPPENED). TOOK THE CAR TO BMW AND WAS TOLD ONE OF TWO COMPUTERS WASN'T MAKING THIS SAFETY FEATURE WORK. COST OF ONE WAS $1700.00 BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE IT WOULD BE THE PROBLEM AND I MIGHT NEED TO THEN HAVE A NEW 2ND COMPUTER AT $3400.00. OR A TOTAL OF $5100.00, I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW AND THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN GENTLY. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT THEY ADVERTISED AND WAS ONE OF MY REASONS FOR BUYING THE CAR, I FEEL THIS AUTO AND AUTO FEATURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL SO IT CAN BE FIXED EITHER FREE OR AT A REASONABLE COST. THANK YOU FOR READING MY SUGGESTION.
NHTSA complaint #10546920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE REPORT IS IN RESPONSE TO NOT BEING INCLUDED IN A RECALL OF THE REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY. SOME VEHICLES SEEM TO BE EXCLUDED FOR NO REASON FROM THE RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY WIRING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 11V438000.
NHTSA complaint #10482629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REPORT IS IN RESPONSE TO NOT BEING INCLUDED IN A RECALL OF THE REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY. SOME VEHICLES SEEM TO BE EXCLUDED FOR NO REASON FROM THE RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY WIRING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 11V438000.
NHTSA complaint #10482629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE RED POSITIVE WIRE TERMINAL OVERHEATED AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE PROBLEM WOULD KILL THE BATTERY AND CAR WOULD NOT START. SHOP SAID DUE TO THE LOCATION (THE TRUNK) OF THE BATTERY THEIR WAS NOT ENOUGH GROUND. THE SHOP FIXED THE PROBLEM BY GROUNDING THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10465571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.