NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
235 reportsClear category filter65,138 miles · Jul 3, 2008
Power Train
I WAS FINISH FILL UP GAS TANK, THE GUY INFRONT OF ME STILL PUMPING, SO I ENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR TO MOVE BACK, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST SIT THERE LIKE IT IS ON NEUTRAL; IT LOST ITS REVERSE GEAR. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, THEN I FOUND WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG EXCLUSIVE DEALING WITH 2000 323I THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE REVERSE…
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I WAS FINISH FILL UP GAS TANK, THE GUY INFRONT OF ME STILL PUMPING, SO I ENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR TO MOVE BACK, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST SIT THERE LIKE IT IS ON NEUTRAL; IT LOST ITS REVERSE GEAR. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, THEN I FOUND WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG EXCLUSIVE DEALING WITH 2000 323I THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE REVERSE GEAR IS LOSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10233173
77,000 miles · Jun 29, 2008
Power Train
WITHOUT ANY WARNING, MY CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. IT IS A 2000 BMW 323I WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES ON IT. I DID A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, THE TRANSMISSION JUST GOING OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN, BUT BMW DOESN…
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WITHOUT ANY WARNING, MY CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. IT IS A 2000 BMW 323I WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES ON IT. I DID A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, THE TRANSMISSION JUST GOING OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN, BUT BMW DOESN'T AGREE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND THEY NEED TO A DO A RECALL, BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232643
112,000 miles · Jun 17, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CAR SIMPLY WILL NOT ENGAGE IN REVERSE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT BMW KNOWS ABOUT BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10231336
135,000 miles · Jun 10, 2008
Power Train
I HAVE A 2000 BMW 323I AUTOMATIC. THE REVERSE GEAR JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT SEEN ON MANY PLACES BY MANY PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET. CHECK HTTP://WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG I HAD GONE TO WORK AND WHEN I REACHED THERE, I HAD TO REVERSE THE CAR INTO THE PARKING AT THIS IS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MY REVERSE NO LON…
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I HAVE A 2000 BMW 323I AUTOMATIC. THE REVERSE GEAR JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT SEEN ON MANY PLACES BY MANY PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET. CHECK HTTP://WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG I HAD GONE TO WORK AND WHEN I REACHED THERE, I HAD TO REVERSE THE CAR INTO THE PARKING AT THIS IS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MY REVERSE NO LONGER WORKS. NHTSA: PLEASE ASK BMW TO DO A RECALL AS THIS IS AFFECTING HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASED BMW BETWEEN 1999 AND 2002. BMW KNEW ABOUT THESE ISSUE AND CHOSE TO CONTINUE SELLING THESE VEHICLES WITHOUT CORRECTING THE KNOWN ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS FLAW AND AN UNETHICAL CONDUCT BY BMW NA.
NHTSA ODI #10230517
109,985 miles · Jun 3, 2008
EquipmentPower Train
I HAVE A BMW 323 CI AND I WAS MAKING A RUN TO THE STORE AND I COME BACK OUT AND TRY TO REVERSE AND MY CAR DIDN'T MOVE ANYWHERE BUT THE RPM'S WERE GOING, SO I LOST MY REVERSE GEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10229792
90,450 miles · May 19, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE TO BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. HE PLACED THE GEAR BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. HE PLACED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE AGAIN AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHIC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE TO BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. HE PLACED THE GEAR BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. HE PLACED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE AGAIN AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND PUSHED IT INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SNAP RING FAILED OUT OF THE CLUTCH DRUM, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME DEFECT. HE BELIEVES THIS SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,450. UPDATED 6/9/08 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10228184
80,000 miles · May 4, 2008
Power Train
MY 2000 323CI TRANSMISSION NO LONGER WORKS IN REVERSE. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I REALIZED THIS IS A VERY COMMON. MY CAR ONLY HAS 80K MILES AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED. I'LL BE SPEAKING TO A LAWYER NEXT WEEK AFTER I COMPILE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE. WILL THIS TRANSMISSION EVER RECEIVE A RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226580
111,977 miles · Apr 28, 2008
Power Train
MY 2000 BMW 323I HAD BEEN WORKING FINE. ONE MORNING I WENT TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND IT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT IT WAS ABOUT TO FAIL. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON ON THIS YEAR, MODEL AND MAKE OF CAR, DUE TO THE D-G RING IN THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10225894
70,000 miles · Apr 15, 2008
Power Train
THE CAR WORKED JUST FINE, WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND NOTHING. THE CAR HAS ONLY 70K MILES ON IT AND I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH 99-01 BMW I HAVE INCLUDED SOME LINKS FOR YOU TO CHECK. HTTP://WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG/COMPLAINTS.HTML#SCOTT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224631
110,000 miles · Apr 11, 2008
Power Train
I'VE OWNED MY 2000 BMW 323I FOR OVER 5 YEARS NOW (BOUGHT IT USED) AND IT'S BEEN A SUPERB CAR. I MAINTAINED IT PERFECTLY WITH OIL CHANGES ON TIME, AND IT WAS IN PRISTINE CONDITION. DESPITE MY ATTENTION TO DETAIL, A FEW DAYS AGO, THE REVERSE SIMPLY STOPPED WORKING. WE TOOK IT TO SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS INTERNAL TRANSMISSION A…
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I'VE OWNED MY 2000 BMW 323I FOR OVER 5 YEARS NOW (BOUGHT IT USED) AND IT'S BEEN A SUPERB CAR. I MAINTAINED IT PERFECTLY WITH OIL CHANGES ON TIME, AND IT WAS IN PRISTINE CONDITION. DESPITE MY ATTENTION TO DETAIL, A FEW DAYS AGO, THE REVERSE SIMPLY STOPPED WORKING. WE TOOK IT TO SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS INTERNAL TRANSMISSION AND IT HAPPENED A LOT WITH BMWS BETWEEN 1999 AND 2001, AND BMW DIDN'T ADMIT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I NOW HAVE TO PAY A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED AND AM VERY UPSET WITH BMW RIGHT NOW. I VISITED SEVERAL SITES WHERE PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I, AND BMW DOESN'T ADMIT THE PROBLEM. I'M WRITING THIS SO THAT BMW CAN PERSUADE ME TO BUY ANOTHER BMW IN THE FUTURE AS I DEFINITELY WILL NOT EVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AFTER THIS INCIDENT. I"M VERY LET DOWN WITH BMW AND IT'S ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224169
Official recalls
7May 27, 2021
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.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Nov 26, 2019
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.
Nov 26, 2019
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.
Jun 11, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Aug 9, 2002
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.
Feb 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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