2002 BMW 3 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
26
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 26 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)6 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)6 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)3 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)2 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2018
“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. *js”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2017
“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..”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“"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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“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.*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2015
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2015
“While driving in the rain, the mk60 ABS/dsc unit failed leaving me without stability control and antilock brakes. Very unsafe.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Apr 2015
“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. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“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. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2014
“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. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2002 BMW 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 BMW 3 Series. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.