The problem
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.
The fix
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 13V-172 (13V172000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Air bags |
| Report date | May 2, 2013 |
| Owners notified | August 9, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 43,204 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2002 BMW 325ci
- 2003 BMW 325ci
- 2002 BMW 325i
- 2003 BMW 325i
- 2002 BMW 325xi
- 2003 BMW 325xi
- 2002 BMW 330ci
- 2003 BMW 330ci
- 2002 BMW 330i
- 2003 BMW 330i
- 2002 BMW 330xi
- 2003 BMW 330xi
- 2002 BMW M3
- 2003 BMW M3
Plus 4 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2002 BMW 325ci airbag problems 23
- 2003 BMW 325ci airbag problems 10
- 2002 BMW 325i airbag problems 52
- 2003 BMW 325i airbag problems 62
- 2002 BMW 325xi airbag problems 13
- 2003 BMW 325xi airbag problems 14
- 2002 BMW 330ci airbag problems 27
- 2003 BMW 330ci airbag problems 9
- 2002 BMW 330i airbag problems 13
- 2003 BMW 330i airbag problems 24
- 2002 BMW 330xi airbag problems 8
- 2003 BMW 330xi airbag problems 13
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 13V-172 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 43,204 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is it safe to drive?
No — the manufacturer says owners should not drive affected vehicles until the repair is done. Contact a dealer to arrange towing.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.