2001 BMW 320 recalls & problems

1 recall 10 complaints

1recalls
10owner complaints
0crashes reported
1fires reported
0 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2001 BMW 320 and 10 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is engine and engine cooling (8 reports), followed by electrical system (1). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2001 BMW 320 recalls

Air Bags · NHTSA 17V047000 · Jan 20, 2017

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating…

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

230,117 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2001 BMW 320 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling 8
000
Electrical System 1
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 1
000
Service Brakes 1
000
Visibility 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Aug 21, 2012 · 113,000 miles · NY

While doing 55 MPH on the expressway my vehicle engaged the brakes on it's own bringing US to a screaching, skidding stop in the middle of oncoming traffic. This was an extremely scary situation especially when traveling with your children in the car. The car was towed in to the dealership where they discovered the yaw rate sensor had to be replaced. I can not believe mercedes…

Service Brakes · Aug 21, 2012 · 113,000 miles · NY

While doing 55 MPH on the expressway my vehicle engaged the brakes on it's own bringing US to a screaching, skidding stop in the middle of oncoming traffic. This was an extremely scary situation especially when traveling with your children in the car. The car was towed in to the dealership where they discovered the yaw rate sensor had to be replaced. I can not believe mercedes…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 22, 2001 · NH

Cooling fan failure caused rapid overheating and coolant loss, disabling vehicle. *ak

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 22, 2001 · IL

No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 17, 2001 · NJ

I complained to BMW na of reported failures of the fan. They agreed that they have had problems with siemens manufactured fans. They left a phone message (I have a copy) agreeing to pay for a vehicle inspection to determine if the fan is the type prone to failure due to safety concerns I have for my son who will be driving this vehicle, but they will charge me to replace the…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 13, 2001 · IL

This is a brand new vehicle, yet the engine overheats at 1828 miles. A lot of smoke came out of the hood and hindered visibility. The overheating happened very quickly and allowed me very little time to realize and to stop the vehicle. Once stopped, there appeared to be major leakage of coolant/anti-freeze under the car. The car dealer and their service department were…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 12, 2001 · CA

Vehicle overheats: 9 days after taking delivery of my brand new car, the temperature gauge begins registering abnormally high under normal city driving conditions. I immediately turn off the A/C, turn on the heat to the maximum setting, and roll down the windows. This seems to have no impact on the temperature, and the red temp indicator light comes on. I promptly pull over to…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 12, 2001 · CA

Vehicle overheats: 9 days after taking delivery of my brand new car, the temperature gauge begins registering abnormally high under normal city driving conditions. I immediately turn off the A/C, turn on the heat to the maximum setting, and roll down the windows. This seems to have no impact on the temperature, and the red temp indicator light comes on. I promptly pull over to…

Electrical System · Jun 11, 2001 · NC · fire

Vehicle overheated and then engine compartment caught fire. Car was a total loss

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 11, 2001 · GA

This is an acknowledeged problem from BMW. The manufacturer has claimed that the problem is not big enough to warrant a recall. Unfortunately many of US are being left stranded when the problem surfaces. Even though the problem is acknowledged BMW does not have the parts required to fix the problem. I believe BMW needs to be contacted and forced to officially issue a recall on…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 10, 2001 · MD

Vehicle cooling fan failed, many other BMW owners have experienced the same problem. The fan, made by siemens is defective and needs to be replaced by all vehicles which have this defect. Will cause people to be stranded due to engine overheating.

Visibility · Dec 2, 2000 · PR

Image distortion through the windshield. *ak

Other BMW 320 years

1977 1978 1979 1981 1989 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 320 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2001 BMW 320, the most recent one (17V047000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 320?

Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are engine and engine cooling (8), electrical system (1), electronic stability control (esc) (1).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2001 BMW 320?

Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.