2001 BMW 3 Series Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 22%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 BMW 3 Series, 22% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving on hwy 99 getting ready to exit on jensen ave when I felt a bump then my driver curtain/ door airbag deployed. After further inspection I found damaged to the diver's rim and tire, brakes have been clicking ever since and suspension seems to be affected as well since car is been shaking and tilting to that side”
NHTSA complaint #10819230, filed 2016-01, 6 miles“While driving my vehicle, I hit a pothole on the passenger side of the vehicle. My driver side airbags deployed: the side, and curtain. The passenger side airbags did not deploy. After inspecting the vehicle on the outside. The rear passenger side tire was flat.”
NHTSA complaint #10502510, filed 2013-03, 119,200 miles“Recalled passenger air bag was replaced by dealer last week, but the dashboard light indicates the passenger air bag is turned off. The dealer says this was an existing problem and refuses to fix without charging several hundred dollars to diagnose. I maintain this is directly elated to the recalled air bag and should be fixed without charge.”
NHTSA complaint #10723037, filed 2015-06, 85,000 miles“I took it to Bmw dealer to fix the recall part--air bag module on may 01,2015, next day I went to pickup the car, they told me it is done. I had not look at the paper work. After the day before, I received final recall again, and then I look up the document, then I found out dealer had not change the air bag module for me. The paper type in dealer is not authorized to perform recall repairs for non dealer brand vehicle ? I don't understand why??”
NHTSA complaint #10968638, filed 2017-03“Consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and another vehicle veered into his lane, and driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Dealership was aware of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #891725, filed 2001-06Related recalls
- 21V401000May 27, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i…Covers: BMW 3 Series 1999–2001, 328I 1999–2001, 323I 1999–2001 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10056098Jun 1, 2014Bmw: some airbags, driver and front passenger, are improperly deploying due to a possible inflator not produced to specifications. Model 2001-2006 e46 (3 series). *pe updated…
- 10029605Aug 1, 2011Bmw service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem…
- 10037078Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 | 14% |
| 2012 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 10 | 33% |
| 2009 | 15 | 28% |
| 2008 | 10 | 15% |
| 2007 | 35 | 30% |
| 2006 | 101 | 50% |
| 2005 | 16 | 64% |
| 2004 | 15 | 19% |
| 2003 | 21 | 29% |
| 2002 | 6 | 23% |
| 2001 | 8 | 22% |
| 2000 | 11 | 13% |
| 1999 | 3 | 50% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 3 Series
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology