Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
50–25K
525–50K
1050–75K
1175–100K
23100–150K
19150K+
73 reports with mileage · 63 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports7 fire reports9 injury reports
What owners actually said
136 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2020
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED THE OPTION TO HAVE THE VEHICLE B…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED THE OPTION TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK, BUT THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11296911
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2019
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT E…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11292160
110,000 miles · Nov 29, 2019
Power Train
CAR DOES NOT MOVE IN REVERSE (AT). NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS. FORWARD OPERATION CONTINUES AS GOOD AS EVER.
NHTSA ODI #11282946
182,000 miles · Nov 22, 2019
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLAMES APPEARED INSIDE THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLAMES APPEARED INSIDE THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AS OF YET BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA ODI #11281767
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2018
Air Bags
MULTIPLE REPORTS ONLINE WITH THE AIRBAG SENSOR GOING OFF. MINE IS ONE OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS FOR MODEL
NHTSA ODI #11122921
235,000 miles · Nov 4, 2017
Electrical System
MY CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, RESULTING IN NONE OF THE PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN WHEN LOCKED. SO ALL PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN THE BACK SEAT AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE DRIVER DOOR CAN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE AND WITH A KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO BMW AND THEY WROTE A REPORT BUT SAID THE …
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MY CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, RESULTING IN NONE OF THE PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN WHEN LOCKED. SO ALL PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN THE BACK SEAT AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE DRIVER DOOR CAN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE AND WITH A KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO BMW AND THEY WROTE A REPORT BUT SAID THE 1999 YEAR MODEL WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE COVERED. IN NO WAY SHOULD PASSENGERS NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT AN AUTOMOBILE DURING AN EMERGENCY. I CAN NOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH PASSENGERS. TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM IS ESTIMATED AT $550.00. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT IS PARKED AND MOTOR ON OR OFF
NHTSA ODI #11043311
153,000 miles · May 7, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL WHILE PULLING OUT OF A STORE ON A SMOOTH SURFACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG JUST EXPLODED WITH MY GRAND DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT IN A CAR SEAT. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE LIKE MATERIAL. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING BUT THE DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10983926
123,000 miles · Feb 1, 2017
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA ODI #10948795
180,600 miles · Oct 26, 2015
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. WHILE INSPECTING THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE NEAR THE MOUNTING OF THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,600.
NHTSA ODI #10786159
105,000 miles · Oct 9, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SIDE DOOR. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SIDE DOOR. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLIP FOR TIGHT INSTALLATION AND REPLACE THE CLIP IF IT IS LOOSE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT OCCUPANTS, A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1999 BMW 323I Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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