RoadVitals

2001 BMW 330I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
116
Latest Jan 28, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 330I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

-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 · filed Jan 28, 2026

Hi, my name is [XXX] and the owner of the 2001 BMW mentioned with the VIN number above. My airbag deployed for no reason as I was driving with my mother in the car on Tuesday the 26th of November around 5:30 p.m.. , the airbag deployed for no reason at all I was doing the speed limit, driving with the flow of traffic on Paramount Boulevard in the city of Paramount or borderline Downey I'm not sure in California. There was no accidents all the car did not hit any other cars or anything while this incident occurred. I me and my mom really lucky to be alive. Although the injuries from the incident was in catastrophe however we do have a lot of small injuries and side effects that seems to be developing more as time goes by. The seriousness of this incident is at a very high level as it could have caused it for both of us or one of us. I was in shock Mordor though I just dropped the car when it exploded I'm referring to the airbag I was driving and suddenly I feel something should pass my left side touching my ear and my shoulder and exploited almost in my face on my left side. I thought a bomb exploded or someone tried to shoot at my car I did not know what happened until I got my thoughts together and I just asked your mom if she was okay glasses had fell off and she was in a very bad shock more my mother is 74 years old and he did not have to go through this traumatic experience. It was very traumatic for both of us and it took a while for us both to realize and figure out what happened. All we knew there was a big explosion and something on my left side was there that I have never seen before. Keeping in mind that I have never been in this airbag situation before it really was confusing and I had no idea what it was in the beginning or we could smell was strong gas I believe it is nitrogen that deploys from the airbag and there was debris every way. There is a lot of injuries and side effects caused by this & I need help. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11441929 · filed Nov 29, 2021
All 35 reports naming airbags

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2001 BMW 330I STOPPED GOING IN REVERSE LAST WEDNESDAY. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AS I WAS VERY SUPRISED TO SEE DOZENS OF WEBSITES DEDICATED TO THIS NO REVERSE ISSUE. HOW COME THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS COMMON FAILURE? *KB

NHTSA ID 10437563 · filed Nov 28, 2011

REVERSE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING WITH NO WARNING. ALL OTHER FORWARD GEARS WORK FINE - (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). BASED ON A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 3 SERIES BMW'S. *TR

NHTSA ID 10399582 · filed May 9, 2011
All 17 reports naming transmission

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

-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 · filed Jan 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. The contact stated that an indicator light had appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the rear taillights were inoperable. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulletin (SIB630611) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was then notified of the service bulletin and the dealer informed him that his vehicle was not manufactured during the eligible period for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and gave the contact the same information as the dealer; he was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11456992 · filed Mar 16, 2022
All 15 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

-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 · filed Jan 28, 2026

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 · filed Jul 28, 2016
All 11 reports naming engine

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT BURST INTO FLAMES. A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11052226 · filed Dec 4, 2017

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 ID 10676695 · filed Jan 20, 2015
All 10 reports naming visibility

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The bracket welds on the front of the right side fuel tank support strap pulled out while on the highway, leaving the fuel tank supported by only one strap. The bracket pulled right out of the sheet metal, leaving two holes where it was previously spot welded to. The support strap itself was hanging off its rear mount, dragging behind the car and potentially sparking. This was extremely dangerous, as the tank had just been filled, and if the tank had began to leak, the support strap may have sparked a fire. There was no symptom or warning sign of the impending failure. There are many reports of this issue from other BMW E46 owners. Fuel tanks should not separate from the car under normal driving conditions. The car has been in southern California its entire life, and there is zero evidence of rust or poor maintenance. Records of the car's maintenance history have been meticulously maintained. This is DANGEROUS and has been reported many times. Please make BMW own up to this poor design and potentially save someone's life.

NHTSA ID 11457351 · filed Mar 18, 2022

THE STAINLESS STEEL STRAP THAT SUPPORTS THE FUEL TANK CAME OFF OF MY VEHICLE YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE STRAP IS SPOT WELDED AT 4 POINTS ON THE FRONT. THE SPOT WELDS FAILED, LEAVING THE STRAP DRAGGING BEHIND MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK ITSELF IS SAGGING ABOUT 4" FROM THE SURFACE OF THE ROAD. THE SPOT WELDS DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY SUPPORT THIS STRAP - THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MORE ROBUST MOUNTING POINTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED DURING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING.

NHTSA ID 11119568 · filed Aug 13, 2018
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 28, 2016

I WAS DRIVING MY BMW 2001 330I ON DOVER CHESTER RD CROSSING THE INTERSECTION OF MORRIS TPKE IN RANDOLPH, NJ WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE AND PATCH WORK ON THE ROAD. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND WINDOW AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CUTTING THE POWER TO THE ENGINE AND TURNING ON THE EMERGENCY HAZARD LIGHTS. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND SAW THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE BUT NO DAMAGE TO TIRE RIM AND NO DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10587219 · filed May 8, 2014
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS WOULD OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *TT*JB CONSUMER STATED FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.*JB

NHTSA ID 11161006 · filed Dec 12, 2018

VEHICLE WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR PASSENGER AND DRIVERS WINDOWS (REGULATORS WERE CHEAP). DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED. PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILING. PASSENGER HEADLIGHT FELL OUT. REAR BRAKE LIGHTS NEED CONSTANT REPAIR. IF ONE COMPLETELY FILLS UP THE GAS TANK, GAS FUMES WILL BE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AIR CONDITIONING FAN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. WATER PUMP FAILED. INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID 11024732 · filed Sep 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. The contact stated that an indicator light had appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the rear taillights were inoperable. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulletin (SIB630611) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was then notified of the service bulletin and the dealer informed him that his vehicle was not manufactured during the eligible period for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and gave the contact the same information as the dealer; he was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11456992 · filed Mar 16, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH THE LIGHT BULB AND OBSERVED A BURN HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT THROUGH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 208,000.

NHTSA ID 10972307 · filed Apr 13, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 10684082 · filed Feb 18, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE D-G CLUTCH DRUM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.... UPDATED 03/08/13 *BF UPDATED 03/27/2013 *JS UPDATED 04/18/13*LJ

NHTSA ID 10496053 · filed Feb 1, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 28, 2016

CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE A LITTLE MORE THAN TWO YEARS AND VEHICLE WENT THROUGH 12 TIRES IN THAT LENGTH OF TIME. IF THERE ARE DEFECTS IN THE ROAD TIRES WILL GET BUBBLES WHILE DRIVING. CAR HAS 25,000 MILES. 2001 BMW 330; CONTINENTAL CONTITOURING TIRES; RADIUS ;200550R17. *AK

NHTSA ID 10033840 · filed Aug 13, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while attempting to drive into the driveway, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal however, the accelerator was inadvertently depressed. The engine revved up while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park to stop the vehicle and then engaged the parking brake after stopping the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

NHTSA ID 11678561 · filed Aug 5, 2025

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES VEHICLE ACCELERATED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10087873 · filed Aug 13, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HER VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. CONTACT'S REAR LEFT TIRE BROKE OFF FROM HER CAR. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE AND VEERED TO LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SPUN OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. UPON A VIN SEARCH, THERE WERE TWO RECALLS NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 17V047000 AND 20V018000(AIR BAGS) ON HER VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT; THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED [XXX]. AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. *LN ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB

NHTSA ID 11307020 · filed Feb 4, 2020

VEHICLE WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR PASSENGER AND DRIVERS WINDOWS (REGULATORS WERE CHEAP). DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED. PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILING. PASSENGER HEADLIGHT FELL OUT. REAR BRAKE LIGHTS NEED CONSTANT REPAIR. IF ONE COMPLETELY FILLS UP THE GAS TANK, GAS FUMES WILL BE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AIR CONDITIONING FAN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. WATER PUMP FAILED. INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID 11024732 · filed Sep 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BMW 330I 2001 HAS LOCK AND UNLOCKING PROBLEM. MY MOTHER IN-LAW WHO IS HOLD HAS TO CLIMB TO GET OUT. I FOUND OUT RESEARCHING IN THE INTERNET THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10379506 · filed Jan 28, 2011

BMW 2001 330I SEDAN (4 DOORS). DOOR LOCKS ARE UNRESPONSIVE DURING HOT DAYS. I LIVE IN ORLANDO FLORIDA AND THIS MEANS ALMOST ALL THE YEAR IS HOT. THIS IS A CRITICAL PROBLEM BECAUSE FOR SAFETY REASONS YOU WILL GET LOCKED IN YOUR CAR. I AM IMAGINE IF YOU HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS TO LEAVE THE CAR? ONLINE (HTTP://WWW.BMWGM5.COM/) YOU CAN FINE HOW BMW CUSTOMERS ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE GUY ON THAT WEBSITE HAS A FIX FOR THAT ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM MORE THAN 50 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. BMW SHOULD DO A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10324638 · filed Apr 9, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES WITHIN 1 YEAR.*SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10006173 · filed Feb 13, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .