YearToAvoid

2009 BMW 325xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2009 BMW 325xi has a complaint index of 71 and ranks 3rd worst among 8 model years for this model. NHTSA lists 1 complaint, 3 recall campaigns, and no do-not-drive recalls for this year. No verdict has been assigned to this year.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
71/100
#3 of 8 325xi years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
1
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
3
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2009 BMW 325xi problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System1 (100%)
  2. Engine1 (100%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

2009 BMW 325xi recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) 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.

    Risk: 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 driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  3. NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

    Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2009 compared with other 325xi years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007No verdict003—
2008No verdict1403—
2009No verdict7113—
2010No verdict2903—
2011No verdict4303—

All BMW 325xi years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 BMW 325xi reliable?
NHTSA data shows only 1 complaint for the 2009 325xi, giving it a complaint index of 71, which ranks 3rd worst out of 8 model years tracked for this model. This year has no assigned verdict in the ranking.
Does the 2009 BMW 325xi have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2009 325xi, covering airbags and the electrical system wiring and connectors. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
What is the top reported problem for the 2009 BMW 325xi?
NHTSA's top problem area listed for this year is the Electrical System, based on the 1 complaint on file.
How does the 2009 325xi compare to other 325xi model years?
The 2009 325xi's complaint index of 71 is lower than the 2006 model year's index of 100 and the 2005 model year's index of 86, but higher than 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012, which range from 0 to 57.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.