2001 BMW 330I Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Airbags3523.8%
- Transmission1711.6%
- Electrical1510.2%
- Engine117.5%
- Visibility106.8%
- Fuel system96.1%
- Other / unspecified85.4%
- Body & structure74.8%
- Exterior lighting74.8%
- Powertrain (other)74.8%
- Tires & wheels64.1%
- Driver assistance53.4%
- Suspension53.4%
- Interior & seats32.0%
- Steering10.7%
- Brakes10.7%
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.
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
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)
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
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
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
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.
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
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.
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
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES VEHICLE ACCELERATED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES WITHIN 1 YEAR.*SCC *JB
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .