Vehicle recall 11V438000 · August 26, 2011

BMW 325i, 325xi and 2 more models

Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop…

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, and 330XI vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2001, through March 1, 2005. Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working.
Consequence: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on February 15, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 11V438000
Reported to NHTSA: August 26, 2011
Filed by: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Owner notification: February 15, 2012
Vehicles potentially affected: 241,000
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Exterior lighting › Turn signal; Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Exterior lighting › Tail lights

Recall 11V438000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

BMW 325i (2002-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
BMW 325xi (2002-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
BMW 330i (2002-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
BMW 330xi (2002-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002

Has your BMW been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.