2001 BMW 525I Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 18%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 BMW 525I, 18% of the 22 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“I purchased my used 2001 Bmw e39 525I two yrs ago with many issues as expected when I learned it was a lease , prior owner never maintained the vehicle. I began to experience for months airbag light on. Paid for months having it reset, then I finally I started a search to locate a recall for airbag module for this model. I called Bmw north america immediately that I'm the new owner (they had no record of who was the owner) I was given direction how to handle, vehicle taken to a service center, repaired made. …”
NHTSA complaint #10297204, filed 2009-12“Bmw is using the recall to force people back into their service center. Even when a repair isn't required. Then, they tell you that there are 100 other things that are needed on your vehicle. Attached are the samples of the documents. This behavior is fraudulent and deceptive. Even though they know my vehicle does not need this airbag, they continue to send annoying letters.”
NHTSA complaint #11366789, filed 2020-10“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 Bmw 525I. The contact stated that the transmission was slow to change gears intermittently. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission assembly needed to be replaced. Also, while driving 25 MPH over a pothole, the undercarriage of the vehicle was damaged and the air bags deployed with force. The driver was not injured. The vehicle remained parked at the contact's residence due to the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v015000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. …”
NHTSA complaint #11189774, filed 2019-03“While driving at 20 MPH and making left turning consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. Upon impact, neither the side or front driver air bag deployed. Driver sustained chest, shoulders, and arm injuries from impacting the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10089874, filed 2004-08Related recalls
- 19V015000Jan 14, 2019DO NOT DRIVEBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports…Covers: BMW 525I 2000–2003, X5 SAV 2000–2004, 540I 2000–2003 +1 more
- 03V421000Oct 24, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety…Covers: BMW 525I 2001, 540I 2001, 540IA 2001 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10160287Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10153726Jan 1, 2019Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10154816Feb 1, 2018In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 25 | 35% |
| 2006 | 44 | 57% |
| 2005 | 22 | 63% |
| 2004 | 33 | 39% |
| 2003 | 10 | 31% |
| 2002 | 9 | 31% |
| 2001 | 4 | 18% |
| 1995 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 5 | 28% |
| 1991 | 2 | 15% |
| 1990 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 525I
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 525I
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