2004 BMW M3 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2004 BMW M3 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 injuries.

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

3Recalls
31Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your M3?

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

2004 BMW M3 recalls

Passenger airbag may explode and send metal shrapnel into occupants

Recall 20V018Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehicles affected

The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these BMW vehicles can degrade over time, especially after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.

Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 14V428Jun 11, 2018574,007 vehicles affected

The passenger side frontal airbag may build up excessive internal pressure when it deploys, which could cause the inflator to rupture.

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.

Most common 2004 BMW M3 problems

Problem areas named in the 31 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags9
Visibility6
Power Train6
Structure4
Exterior Lighting2
Engine2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
Visibility/Wiper1

What owners report

2026-06-22, Air Bags
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06 AM To: '[XXX]' <[XXX]> Subject: Issues with service during an airbag replacement Good morning [XXX], I took my 2004 M3 to BMW of Fort Lauderdale in
2022-03-23, Structure
Passenger side rear sub-frame crack observed . Vehicle has never been in any accident or collision. It's a commonly know problem about BMW 3 series made between 1999 to 2006 that happens naturally without cause due to manufacture issue, so I decided to look under my car to look for any cracks as described. I identified at least one crack. After calling BMW USA for assitance, I was instructed to bring the car to have it inspected and confirmed by the BMW dealership in Ontario, CA. Dispite me telling them the location of the crack, they concluded there is no crack and nothing needed to be done. Not satified with their inspection, I went to get a second opinion from an independent machanic/ bod
2019-04-19, Exterior Lighting
WIRING PROBLEM WITH FACTORY HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE CAUSES HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY TURN OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND SITTING STILL.
2016-09-09, Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2016-08-29, Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL -- IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER / DEALERSHIP DO NOT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO GET THE PARTS TO REPAIR MY CAR. THIS ESSENTIALLY RENDERS MY CAR UNSAFE, AND IN MANY WAYS, UNUSABLE. I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ABOUT A DATE BY WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE / REPAIR WILL BE DONE.

2004 BMW M3 questions

Does the 2004 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2004 BMW M3: Passenger airbag may explode and send metal shrapnel into occupants; Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW M3?

Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (9), Visibility (6), Power Train (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 2004 BMW M3 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 M3 years

Other 2004 BMW models