2002 BMW 3 Series Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 23%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,320miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 BMW 3 Series, 23% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,320 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 a cloverleaf ramp in baton rouge, la. (hwy 61 & florida blvd.) when passenger side air bag deployed causing me to veer to the right. I then hit a drain on the curbing and blew out both right side tires and bent rims. Outside temp was 90* with no rain. ( not sure of exact vehicle mileage b/c car is in shop) I can get pictures if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10605763, filed 2014-06, 130,000 miles“Takata recall, I have a 6 month old baby, I just got this car and the airbag light was on at idle and won't go away. I know the first and only owner. I know that it's been on for a while now. I am extremely concerned for the safety of my son. This must be adressed..”
NHTSA complaint #10907404, filed 2016-09, 97,320 miles“The Bmw dealership in san francisco keeps cancelling my appointments for my airbags to be replaced. I have been waiting since june. They cannot offer any assistance to helping me get my airbags replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10653494, filed 2014-11, 80,000 miles“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 3 SERIES. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 02/23/16 updated 02/23/16.”
NHTSA complaint #10811966, filed 2015-12“2002 Bmw 3 SERIES. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and requested information about any addtional recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11065149, filed 2018-01Related 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 2002 BMW 3 Series
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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