2001 BMW 525IA Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 11, 2004 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 525IA years
Not enough data 3rd of 3 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 525IA. That ranks 3rd out of 3 525IA model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is vehicle speed control (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 41,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2001 BMW 525IA problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~41,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Vehicle Speed Control1100%41,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2001 BMW 525IA recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveOct 24, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V421000 · 23,000 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.

Risk: Unexpected deployment of the air bag(s) could cause serious injury if an occupant is too close to the deploying air bag(s). In addition, the battery safety terminal may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.

Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fanMay 16, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V138000 · 1,550 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fanJun 21, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V206000 · 76,469 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My bmw-525 ia year 2001.( vin#wbadt 43481-gf-59688) on d/4/7/04 around 7.45 pm my wife pulled into the parking lot, all of a sudden the vehicle accelerated on its own at high speed & passed over the grass, shrubs and hit the cement wall. My wife & me were in the car. We both were injured,the car is…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 11, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10065939

Other BMW 525IA years

← 1995 525IA · 2002 525IA →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2002 525IA31
200113
1995 525IA32

See all BMW 525IA problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 525IA?

Owners most often report vehicle speed control problems. The top one, vehicle speed control, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2001 BMW 525IA?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2001 BMW 525IA a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 525IA model years, the 2001 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.