Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
312.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
312.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
937.5%
150,000+ miles
937.5%
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.
Oct 2011peak 3Oct 2024
Recalls on the 2000 BMW 323CI
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.
United States — NHTSA
21V401000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
20V018000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V852000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
19V853000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 160,000 milesWalker, LAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOMETIMES THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR ,WHILE DRIVING IT SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE VENTS THEN SOON AFTER THE HOLE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. I LOVED MY BMW!
NHTSA complaint #10991528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,430 milesAtlanta, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN MY PASSENGER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT THE AIR VENT. FROM THERE I IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND REMOVED AS MANY PERSONAL ITEMS AS POSSIBLE. FROM THERE THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD AND PROCEEDED TO TORCH THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10587507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sikeston, MO
TIRES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11619139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOakton, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
CRACKED REAR SUBFRAME
NHTSA complaint #11204744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Center, IA
AIR BAGS
I HAD BEEN NOTIFICATED ABOUT POSSIBLE INJURIES FOR SUDDENLY EXPLOSIN HAZARD FOR TAKATA AIR BAGS COMPONENTS, MY CONCERN ITS MY FAMILY AND MY OWN SECURITY.
NHTSA complaint #11045607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesJupiter, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE TRUNK AREA, A LARGE CRACK WAS DISCOVERED IN THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRAMAN BMW LOCATED IN JUPITER, FLORIDA, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11005968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesWalker, LAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOMETIMES THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR ,WHILE DRIVING IT SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE VENTS THEN SOON AFTER THE HOLE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. I LOVED MY BMW!
NHTSA complaint #10991528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesNewcastle, WA
SUSPENSION
BMW SUBFRAME RECALL. TOOK MY 2000 323CI IN FOR TUNE UP. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT LH REAR SUBFRAME SEPARATED FROM UNIBODY. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2009 BUT WAS NEVER INFORMED BY BMW. WANTING TO KNOW HOW TO ACCESS RECALL FOR BMW TO FIX. VEHICLE WAS IN SHOP WHEN NOTIFIED OF ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10838869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesNewcastle, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
BMW SUBFRAME RECALL. TOOK MY 2000 323CI IN FOR TUNE UP. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT LH REAR SUBFRAME SEPARATED FROM UNIBODY. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2009 BUT WAS NEVER INFORMED BY BMW. WANTING TO KNOW HOW TO ACCESS RECALL FOR BMW TO FIX. VEHICLE WAS IN SHOP WHEN NOTIFIED OF ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10838869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesQail Valley, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS LOCKED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR A TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN 2003 BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.
NHTSA complaint #10823595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSAN Francicso, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A FAULTY GM5 SEEMS TO BE THE REASON FOR THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR NOT UNLOCKING WITH THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE REMOTE KEY CAN UNLOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR, BUT NOT THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10790429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,125 milesSAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE CAMPAIGN NO. 14V-428 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG, AS OF TODAY. NO CALLS OR UPDATE INFORMATION FROM BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10694011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10681418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 202,000 milesPawtucket, RI
AIR BAGS
THERE WERE TWO PEOPLE INVOLVED WHEN THE DRIVER RAN OVER THE CURB AT LESS THAN 25 MPH. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S FRONT AIRBAG WENT OFF AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND DOES NOT CRANK AT STARTUP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THEY ESTIMATED A QUOTE OF $900 TO FIX IT NOT INCLUDING THE AIRBAGS WORK. BOTH PASSENGERS ARE OKAY.
NHTSA complaint #10676267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS AND REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MONTHS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10671411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paridise Valley, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10670227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lantana, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10668360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10653051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,300 milesSummit, NJ
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG NOT REPLACED IN A TIMELY FASHION. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BMW PROVIDES NO DATE FOR ITS REPAIR, AS PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10636958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesNovato, CA
SUSPENSION
THE CAR WENT INTO THE SHOP FOR A BROKEN WATER PUMP. THE SHOP NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND FLOOR PAN WERE BROKEN AND THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RIPPED FROM THE CAR. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $5,300. BMW NA HAS BEEN TERRIBLE TO DEAL WITH AND TOLD US "WE ARE ON OUR OWN" AND THAT OUR VIN # WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. AFTER 5 WEEKS OF ESCALATING THE MATTER WITHIN BMW NA, THEY HAVE OFFERED US $2,000 TOWARDS THE COST OF REPAIR. GIVEN THAT THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD NOR IN AN ACCIDENT, IT IS CLEAR THAT IT IS A RECURRING MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT BMW IS AWARE OF BUT NOT WILLING TO SHOULDER ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THE WORST PART IS, HAD THE WATER PUMP NOT FAILED, WE WERE UNAWARE OF THE CRITICAL DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN OUR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY HAD WE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10631643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAtlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND CONTINUED TO STAY LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DECIDED TO CLEAR THE CODE ON THE COMPUTER AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR HAS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V348000 (AIRBAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 8/11/14
NHTSA complaint #10605728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,430 milesAtlanta, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN MY PASSENGER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT THE AIR VENT. FROM THERE I IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND REMOVED AS MANY PERSONAL ITEMS AS POSSIBLE. FROM THERE THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD AND PROCEEDED TO TORCH THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10587507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesAtlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG ICON ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STAYS ON. THIS MEANS THAT A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE SENSOR IN THE SEAT AND, AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF A COLLISION. THERE ARE MANY REFERENCES TO THIS PROBLEM POSTED ON THE INTERNET. IT SEEMS TO BE THE VERY SAME PROBLEM RECOGNIZED BY NHTSA FOR CERTAIN 2006, 2007 BMW'S AND FOR WHICH A PRODUCT RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING/DESIGN/SAFETY DEFECT AND IT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED FOR RECALL AND REPAIR IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #10583744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesTexarkana, AR
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THE SUBFRAME IS SEPARATING FROM THE MAIN FRAME OF THE CAR. THIS IS COMPLETELY DANGEROUS AND NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE. SINCE THIS IS AN ENGINEERING FAULT (THERE ARE MANY OTHER CASES IN THE SAME TYPE OF CAR) IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10543285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,500 milesMiami, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD NOISED EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT RESUMED WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,500.
NHTSA complaint #10541796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSanta ANA, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CAR WONT LOCK OR UNLOCK DOORS. KEY FOB WONT WORK DOORS WONT OPEN CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM WONT WORK ALARM WONT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10511044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSanta ANA, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WONT LOCK OR UNLOCK DOORS. KEY FOB WONT WORK DOORS WONT OPEN CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM WONT WORK ALARM WONT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10511044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.