Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
50–25K
625–50K
1150–75K
1275–100K
16100–150K
13150K+
63 reports with mileage · 53 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports3 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
116 reports
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10721002
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AND THE DOOR AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10713278
117,331 miles · Mar 30, 2015
Structure
WHEN STOPPED AFTER DRIVING, I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED. I CRAWLED OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE. I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. SAME RESULT. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR NOW DOES NOT OPEN BY ANY MEANS. DIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN UTILIZING KEY FOB, FRO…
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WHEN STOPPED AFTER DRIVING, I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED. I CRAWLED OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE. I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. SAME RESULT. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR NOW DOES NOT OPEN BY ANY MEANS. DIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN UTILIZING KEY FOB, FROM THE INSIDE AND FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FROM READING ONLINE POSTS, IT SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH OTHERS IN DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS. IT COULD BE THE DOOR HANDLE CABLE OR DOOR ACTUATOR. REGARDLESS, THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, DUE TO THE FACT THAT IF THE DRIVER NEEDED TO EXIT THE CAR IMMEDIATELY, DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO SO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702496
100,000 miles · Feb 18, 2015
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10684082
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10681523
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10679581
80,000 miles · Jan 20, 2015
Electrical SystemVisibility
I'VE REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE MATERIAL BEING CHEAP. THE GEARS WEAR OUT AND/OR BREAK APART. EACH TIME IT'S BETWEEN $150 AND $300 TO REPAIR. THE WINDOW STOPS HALF-WAY DOWN AND CAN'T BE MOVED. THIS PRESENTS ISSUES WITH SAFETY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND MAKES IT VERY EASY TO GET INTO THE CA…
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I'VE REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE MATERIAL BEING CHEAP. THE GEARS WEAR OUT AND/OR BREAK APART. EACH TIME IT'S BETWEEN $150 AND $300 TO REPAIR. THE WINDOW STOPS HALF-WAY DOWN AND CAN'T BE MOVED. THIS PRESENTS ISSUES WITH SAFETY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND MAKES IT VERY EASY TO GET INTO THE CAR TO TAKE VALUABLES AND POTENTIALLY STEAL THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10676695
150,000 miles · Jan 15, 2015
Visibility
I'VE HAD UPWARDS OF 10 WINDOW REGULATORS REPLACED IN MY CAR OVER THE LAST 12-13 YEARS. THEY HAVE CHEAP PLASTIC GEARS THAT WEAR OUT OR BREAK APART BECAUSE THEY'VE BECOME SO BRITTLE BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. EACH TIME IT'S BETWEEN $100 AND $250 TO FIX DEPENDING ON WHO FIXES IT AND IT'S A PAIN IF THE WINDOW STOPS HALF-WAY DOWN AND CAN…
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I'VE HAD UPWARDS OF 10 WINDOW REGULATORS REPLACED IN MY CAR OVER THE LAST 12-13 YEARS. THEY HAVE CHEAP PLASTIC GEARS THAT WEAR OUT OR BREAK APART BECAUSE THEY'VE BECOME SO BRITTLE BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. EACH TIME IT'S BETWEEN $100 AND $250 TO FIX DEPENDING ON WHO FIXES IT AND IT'S A PAIN IF THE WINDOW STOPS HALF-WAY DOWN AND CAN'T BE MOVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10672675
135,000 miles · Jan 15, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I SUDDENLY HEARD A THUMP OR POP FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AT THE NEXT EXIT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRACKET HOLDING THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE FUEL TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TORN OFF THE BODY AND THE FUEL TALK WAS LEFT HANGING A FEW INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND. THE SHOP WHERE I NORM…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I SUDDENLY HEARD A THUMP OR POP FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AT THE NEXT EXIT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRACKET HOLDING THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE FUEL TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TORN OFF THE BODY AND THE FUEL TALK WAS LEFT HANGING A FEW INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND. THE SHOP WHERE I NORMALLY TAKE MY CAR FOR SERVICE COULDN'T FIX IT AND RECOMMENDED A BODY SHOP WHERE THE BRACKET COULD BE WELDED BACK ON TO THE BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10672673
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REMEDY THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REMEDY THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2001 BMW 330I Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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