2004 BMW 3 Series Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2004 BMW 3 Series, 4% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
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.
“Door locks intermittently will not unlock with switch or remotes. Central locking does not work even when using the key fob. My kids and I have been trapped in the car on several occasions for up to 10 minutes. This is a serious risk to my life and the life of others on the road. Bmw refuses to fix this problem. I have video of me trapped in the car. I addressed his problem with Bmw before my warranty was up but they state since the technicians could not identity any problem it's not covered. I researched this issue and this is an ongoing problem with other customers.”
NHTSA complaint #10493675, filed 2013-01, 80,450 miles“Door un-lock relays in the gm5 module fail over time and eventually result in occupants being unable to get out of the car without extraordinary effort. Problem is worse in warmer months.”
NHTSA complaint #10354925, filed 2010-09, 40,000 miles“The unlock control button on the center console does not unlock the passenger side door and does not unlock the 2 doors in the back. This failure occurs intermittently. When the failure occurs, only the driver can exit the car by using the manual door latch lever. The other passengers are trapped unless they climb out the window or climb into the front seat and then exit through the front seat door. A proper safety design and operation would allow the manual door unlock latch levers to work at all times and especially when the electrical or electronic systems have failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10355031, filed 2010-09, 29,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10030626Oct 2, 2009Bmw vehicles: doors will not unlock using the key fob or central locking button. *pe updated1/4/10. *pe updated 5/24/10.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 3 Series
42 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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