2002–2003 BMW 325CI, 2002–2003 BMW 325I, 2002–2003 BMW 325IT and 6 other models Recall: Air Bags
NHTSA campaign 13V172000 · Air Bags · filed May 2, 2013 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
The risk
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.
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
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 [email protected].
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More BMW 325CI recalls
- 1999–2001 BMW 3 Series and 8 other models — These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag…
- 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…
- 2002–2006 BMW 325CI and 11 other models — Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only…
- 2003 BMW 325CI and 3 other models — ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING…
Other campaigns involving BMW vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 13V172000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.