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2001 BMW 325I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

81 reports with mileage · 70 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 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports8 fire reports17 injury reports

What owners actually said

151 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2012
Exterior LightingService Brakes

A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME HOME AND NEARLY RAN IN BACK OF ME BECAUSE SHE SAID I DIDN'T BRAKE , I TOLD HER I DID , BUT A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR, SO I WENT TO PURCHASE MORE BULBS, THE BULB WORKED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, THEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THEN DAYS LATER THE OTHER ONE , I TOOK TO MECHANIC, HE FOUND THAT…

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A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME HOME AND NEARLY RAN IN BACK OF ME BECAUSE SHE SAID I DIDN'T BRAKE , I TOLD HER I DID , BUT A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR, SO I WENT TO PURCHASE MORE BULBS, THE BULB WORKED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, THEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THEN DAYS LATER THE OTHER ONE , I TOOK TO MECHANIC, HE FOUND THAT A PART IN THE HOUSING HAD BURNED ALL THE WAY DOWN, AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK ON RECALLS, BECAUSE IT'S NO FAULT OF MINE... I CHECKED RECALLS AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE HOUSING THAT HOUSES THE BRAKE AND SIGNAL LIGHTS, BEGINNING WITH 2002... MY CAR IS A 325I 2001, I FEEL THAT THIS YEAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL, I RESEARCHED ONLINE, AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A 2001 BMW325I WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE CURRENT RECALL... THIS COULD DEFINITELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, WITH THE HOUSING WORKING ONE MINUTE AND OUT THE NEXT , REALLY THINK THIS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IMMEDIATELY... I WAS PULLED OVER BY AN OFFICER STATING I DIDN'T SIGNAL, BUT I DID, THE SIGNAL WORKED IN CAR, BUT DIDN'T OUTSIDE ... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471910

98,000 miles · Aug 13, 2012
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10470417

112,000 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER HE WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #10468769

50,000 miles · Jun 4, 2012
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT TENSIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT TENSIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #10460569

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeats

PURCHASED THE CAR USED, IN JANUARY 2011, WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STORED ENGINE CODES, PO0300,171,174,1345,1351,1353; MOSTLY RELATING TO OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE MAF. ALL ENGINE HOSES, THE MAF, ALL 4 OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE IGNITION COIL PACKS WERE REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF N…

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PURCHASED THE CAR USED, IN JANUARY 2011, WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STORED ENGINE CODES, PO0300,171,174,1345,1351,1353; MOSTLY RELATING TO OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE MAF. ALL ENGINE HOSES, THE MAF, ALL 4 OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE IGNITION COIL PACKS WERE REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF NORMAL DRIVING, ALL CODES HAD RETURNED. MECHANIC IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE POINTS OF FAILURE FOR THESE ISSUES AND BMW DENIES ANY EXISTING PROBLEM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT, TURNS ON AND OFF, RANDOMLY, WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE, OR NOT. FAILURE OF THE SENSOR COULD CAUSE THE AB NOT TO DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SERIOUS, IF NOT FATAL, INJURY. BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, DOES NOT REPLACE/REPAIR. DOOR LOCK/WINDOW/WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE, KNOWN AS GM5, FAILS RANDOMLY AND OFTEN. IT HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. SINCE IT DISABLES THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS, I WAS TRAPPED IN MY CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THANKFULLY, I HAD THE WINDOW ROLLED DOWN FAR ENOUGH TO PASS MY KEYS TO SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE, SO THEY COULD UNLOCK THE DOOR. IN AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS COULD BE STUCK, KEEPING EMERGENCY WORKERS FROM GIVING THEM MEDICAL ATTENTION, IN A TIMELY FASHION. BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DENIES IT'S EXISTENCE. I ALSO RECEIVE RANDOM EXTERIOR LIGHT OUT WARNINGS, ON THE DASH. USUALLY, IT'S BOTH TAILLIGHTS, BUT MORE FREQUENTLY, IT IS THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT SENSOR, THAT FAILS, THOUGH THE LIGHT IS ACTUALLY WORKING, JUST FINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10455224

85,000 miles · Mar 9, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT CARRIAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE REAR TAIL LIGHT CARRIAGE. THE MANUFACTUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT CARRIAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE REAR TAIL LIGHT CARRIAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #10450864

198,000 miles · Mar 5, 2012
SeatsFireInjury

THE SEAT HEATER CAUGHT FIRE BURNING A HOLE IN THE SEAT, SINGING MY JEANS AND MY LEG (MINOR BURN, NOT MEDICALLY TREATED), AND CAUSING THE AIR BAG SENSOR TO MELT. BMW HAS RECALLED THESE SEATS IN OTHER MODELS BUT NOT THIS ONE. I SENT THE INFORMATION TO BMW AND AM AWAITING A RESPONSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450372

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ERROR MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALERTED TO HER THAT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY CRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ERROR MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALERTED TO HER THAT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY CREATED A FIRE HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ERROR MESSAGE CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS) BUT DID NOT ADVISE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10448341

207,000 miles · Jan 18, 2012
Exterior LightingVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB CARRIER FAILED AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB CARRIER FAILED AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 207,000. UPDATED 02/15/12 *BF THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECAL # 11V438000. THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/18/12

NHTSA ODI #10444393

186,000 miles · Jan 11, 2012
Exterior LightingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BURNED OUT, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE REPAIRS WOULD INCLUDE ADDING A GROUND WIRE TO THE TAIL LIGHT A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BURNED OUT, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE REPAIRS WOULD INCLUDE ADDING A GROUND WIRE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED TEH CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

NHTSA ODI #10443422

Official recalls

6

20V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

19V853000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

14V428000 · Air Bags

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.

02V138000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

May 16, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). 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.

01V206000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Jun 21, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. 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.

00V383000 · Wheels:rim

Nov 20, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.

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.