2002 BMW E36 Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 2002 BMW E36. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“I am leasing a 2002 bmw 745li . I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. The car has gone to the bmw service center a total of 33 times for service mechanical & electrical problems. A few times car has broken down while driving and needed to be towed. This vehicle is a manufacturer…”
“After 100,000+ miles of normal operation the 2002, bmw x5 4.4 began exhibiting unusual transmission operation. At random times, during start up, the transmission shifted to neutral, allowing the engine to rev very high, then engage in 1st, causing an abrupt lurch forward. Also, it will experience…”
“Bmw 325xi 2002 bought used in mint condition with 60000 miles drivetrain vibration related to transfer case output bearing. Bmw international said that was too bad, but not concernd at the failure. Expected as that year had problems with transfer case bearings. *ak”
“I was hearing noises coming from the rear of the car took it into bmw, and they said the rear subframe was cracking. Then they proceeded to tell me that there was nothing they could do! Also the rear control arm bushing are bad which was caused by the rear or in reverse! *nm”
“I was hearing noises coming from the rear of the car took it into bmw, and they said the rear subframe was cracking. Then they proceeded to tell me that there was nothing they could do! Also the rear control arm bushing are bad which was caused by the rear or in reverse! *nm”
“The windshield molding is susceptible to breaking up and the whole windshield has to be removed to reinstall the molding. Pretty bizarre for such an expensive car. *tr”
“The windshield molding is susceptible to breaking up and the whole windshield has to be removed to reinstall the molding. Pretty bizarre for such an expensive car. *tr”
“The buckle assembly that the driver's side seat belt buckle is inserted into doesn't hold the buckle any longer. The driver's side seat belt is no longer usable. The part is to be replaced by the local bmw dealer (not under warranty), who will have the old part. *jb”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2002 BMW E36 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.