NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 BMW 530i; the most frequently affected component is engine and engine cooling — fan. Owners filed 25 complaints, most often about power train. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 6 model years of this model in the database, 2001 ranks #3 for number of recalls.
Air bags — Inflator moduleCampaign 19V015000 · 14 Jan 2019
Do not drive until repaired
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags — Sensor/control module-inactiveCampaign 03V421000 · 24 Oct 2003
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.
Remedy: 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 — FanCampaign 02V138000 · 16 May 2002
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling — FanCampaign 01V206000 · 21 Jun 2001
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.
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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 25 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Power train5 · 20%
Engine and engine cooling5 · 20%
Air bags4 · 16%
Fuel/propulsion system3 · 12%
Seats3 · 12%
Electrical system2 · 8%
Unknown or other2 · 8%
Suspension1 · 4%
When complaints were filed
20021
20031
20041
20051
20062
20071
20083
20093
20103
20112
20161
20173
20181
20201
20251
From owner complaints
2001 bmw 5301 with 105k miles won't go into reverse. Car will move in reverse at idle on a flat surface but will not accelerate. I've noticed 100's of people have had similar issues and that gm (trans mfg) has recalled similar issues on gm vehicles but bmw will not issue a recall itself. We need the help of nhtsa to…
Major fuel leak under engine of car on a cold start (colder temps ~40 degrees fahrenheit or less). Fuel smell immediately on start up, with a steady stream fuel dripping under the car...fuel lines the driveway when backing out. Dripping appears to stop after car warms up, so multiple failed attempts to diagnose issue.…
Air bag indicator light recently illuminated upon starting car. Now comes on each time car is driven.
I'm writing you this email after what happened on my way home from work last night. I got into my car after a day of meetings and turned on the driver's side heated seat. After about 5 minutes i realize that the left side of the seat cushion was getting very, very hot. I then noticed the smell of something burning. I…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.