2002–2005 BMW 325I, 2002–2005 BMW 325XI, 2002–2005 BMW 330I and 1 other model Recall: Exterior Lighting
NHTSA campaign 11V438000 · Exterior Lighting · filed Aug 26, 2011 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. 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.
The risk
INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More BMW 325I recalls
- 2006–2011 BMW 323I and 9 other models — Original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport…
- 2008–2013 BMW 1 Series M and 18 other models — These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation…
- 2000–2005 BMW 320I and 14 other models — These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation…
- 2000–2001 BMW 323CI and 9 other models — These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air…
- 2006 BMW 325I and 8 other models — Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve…
Other campaigns involving BMW vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 11V438000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.