2002 BMW 525i Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2002 BMW 525i has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 fires, 2 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (9 reports).

4Recalls
29Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 525i?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2002 BMW 525i recalls

Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 19V015Jan 14, 2019157,549 vehicles affected

Certain BMW vehicles from 2000 to 2004 that have the optional sports steering wheel may have a driver-side frontal airbag inflator that can explode.

Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments

Recall 15V318May 28, 2015419,235 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal air bag inflator can be affected by moisture over time.

Suspension

Recall 02V057Feb 19, 20024,672 vehicles affected

Tires:Sidewall

Recall 01V352Nov 26, 20011,318 vehicles affected

Most common 2002 BMW 525i problems

Problem areas named in the 29 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags9
Electrical System7
Seats5
Structure4
Seat Belts3
Unknown Or Other3
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Fuel System, Other1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Power Train1

What owners report

2026-10-14, Air Bags
The contact's brother owns a 2002 BMW 525I. The contact stated that while the owner was driving, the front driver's side steering wheel air bag deployed without impact and struck the driver's arm and face. The impact caused the driver to become unconscious. The driver sustained a broken arm and received medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. A police report was filed. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
2026-03-03, Air Bags
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
2023-07-14, Air Bags
regarding the Takata airbag recall for my model bmw, the priority zone A includes the hotter southern states incl Florida. My car is in Canada and currently not under a recall notice; however, the car spent many years in Florida, as my parents resided in Florida every winter for 6 months, and then summers in Canada. I am concerned as the propellant in question degrades FASTER in hot climates, and since i reside in Canada, the priority is low. please advise.
2021-09-26, Seats
I can't even get comfortable in the seats in this car they are twisting cause a very uncomfortable drive /ride for us! Evrryone i hear of that owns a bmw has this issue
2021-09-05, Electrical System
The car was off and caught fire due too electrical malfunctioning. The a/c unit was staying on even after cutting the car off . Along with my steering wheel randomly adjusting at start of the car . The fire started inside out .

2002 BMW 525i questions

Does the 2002 BMW 525i have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 BMW 525i: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments; Suspension; Tires:Sidewall. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 525i?

Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (9), Electrical System (7), Seats (5).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 BMW 525i has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other BMW 525i years

Other 2002 BMW models