RoadVitals

2001 BMW 330I Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Jan 28, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
9%
of 116 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 BMW 330I submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 11 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 28, 2026

-My infrastructure system management has been affected overtime—which covers electronic control units (ECUs), software, and network architecture—are driven by the need to manage increasing system complexity, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and electronic malfunctions. -My De-icing fluid management system-Has been affected by potential engine damage, reduced structural integrity, and risk of in-flight failure due to overheating. -My vehicle has been affected sense March 3, 2025 - Major Terminal Outage: A massive power outage, traced to a fire and downed power line near the airport, I [XXX] [XXX] believe my Power failures and component-level are faulty… -My vehicles brake lines are not meeting specifications, which could cause leaks & affect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of a crash god forbid… I [XXX] [XXX] believe my brake system is faulty. -My Takata driver-side airbag inflators has been affected that can explode upon deployment, spraying metal shrapnel and causing severe injury or death, (Models affected)~2000-2015 series with urgent "Do Not Drive" warnings requiring free, immediate dealer replacement required by (NHSTA)… I [XXX] [XXX] believe my Takata system is faulty. -My water pump system is electrical connector, authorized by NHTSA. Insufficient sealing allows fluid ingress, posing a short circuit and fire risk to prevent hazards… in conclusion, there has been several major BMW safety recall been mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remedy plan must be completed within 5 days & I would like a copy of reports via email for my lawyer to review my vehicles standards. In conclusion, I need an evaluation appointment & determination assessment asap due to moving after Valentine’s Day to prevent serious safety issues on my journey to Florida. I’m currently 15min from 6312 Aaron Ln Clinton,Md closest & more convenient service center. Thanks for your understanding! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

NHTSA ID
11713825
Incident
Mar 6, 2000
EngineOther / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Jul 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES RANDOMLY LOST TIRE PRESSURE AND THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RIMS AND TIRES. THE CONTACT HAD A REPAIR SHOP REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES THREE TIMES. WHEN THE AIR PRESSURE WAS LOW, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE A FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE FAN FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING HOT TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 02V138000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 00V383000 (WHEELS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO DETERMINE IF THEY MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10889342
Incident
Feb 8, 2010
EngineSteering
Filed Dec 20, 2010

ENGINE STALLS ON A FEW OCCASIONS WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNING LEFT AT LOW SPEED, CAUSING TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING. WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY RE-START THE ENGINE EVERY TIME BUT COULD HAVE CAUSED CRASH OTHERWISE. THIS OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY AFTER 2008 (AND AFTER 60K MILES), BOTH AT LOW SPEED ON LOCAL ROADS AND AT 45 ~ 55 MPH ON HIGHWAYS, SUMMER OR WINTER CONDITIONS, WITH OR WITHOUT AC TURNED ON. OCCURRENCES ARE INFREQUENT AND UNPREDICTABLE. REPORTED TO MY BMW DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. OTHERWISE, THE VEHICLE DRIVES PERFECTLY FINE AND I LOVE IT.

NHTSA ID
10372751
Incident
Dec 1, 2006
Mileage
50,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT FAN WAS NOT WORKING AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT COOL DOWN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND THE ENGINE WAS CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 81,000.

NHTSA ID
10263652
Incident
Mar 1, 2009
Mileage
81,000 mi
EngineOther / unspecifiedSuspension+1 more
Filed Dec 7, 2004

PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW CAME OFF TRACK. BACK WINDOW DOES NOT GO UP OR DOWN. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT OTHER TWO WINDOWS WILL DO THE SAME VERY SOON. THIS HAS HAPPENED THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE CAR... TOO MANY TIMES, TOO MUCH AND TOO OFTEN. MY CAR IS A 2001 BMW 330I, I'VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY RADIATOR RESORVIOR, THE WATER PUMP AND COOLING FAN, THE EMMISIONS SYSTEM, AND MY CAR HAS SHUT DOWN ON ME WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY WHEN I AM ON A TURN (WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I WAS AT A ONE WAY STOP MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT DOWN). I HAVE ALMOST 85K MILES NOW AND THE PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO ARISE. JUST GOT A NEW TRANSMISSION, NEW LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE DRIVER SIDE, AND THE WINDOWS CONTINUE TO BREAK DOWN EVERY 6 MONTHS. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS "BMW EXPERIENCE"!*AK

NHTSA ID
10102339
Incident
Nov 19, 2004
Mileage
85,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed May 10, 2004

I DRIVE A 2001 BMW 330I. IT STALLED ON ME A FEW TIMES ALREADY. ONE TIME, I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AND IT STALLED ON ME WHILE THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN. ALSO, SOMETIMES THE ACCELERATOR HESITATES ON ME, AND IT HAPPENED TWICE WHEN I WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. *LA

NHTSA ID
10072348
Incident
May 9, 2004
Mileage
64,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2004

2001 BMW 330I. ENGINE STALLED ANY TIME.HAPPENED AFTER ENGINE ALREADY WARM UP (AFTER DROVE ABOUT 1 HOUR).*AK

NHTSA ID
10067912
Incident
Dec 19, 2003
Mileage
49,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2001

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. AT THAT TIME SHE SAW GREEN LIQUID POURING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER WHO REPLACED THERMOSTAT. *AK

NHTSA ID
898274
Incident
Oct 21, 2001
EngineVisibility
Filed Aug 16, 2001
Fire reported

CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE AND BURNING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 15 MINUTES, CLAIM 13-7440-839. *SLC

NHTSA ID
6900678
Incident
Aug 16, 2001
Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2001

ENGINE COOLING FAN INOPERATIVE. SAME PROBLEM REPAIRED TWICE! ONCE @ 282MI AND 2715MI. OUT OF SERVICE FOR 19 DAYS. *AK

NHTSA ID
750169
Incident
Mar 5, 2001
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2001
Fire reported

VEHICLE OVERHEATED 2 DAYS BEFORE IT CAUGHTON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS GOING 30 MPH WHEN CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. DEALER HAS HEARD OF PROBLEM, AND LOOKING AT VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
891479
Incident
Jun 6, 2001

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .