RoadVitals

2003 BMW 330I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 20V018000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
77
Latest Jun 7, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Jan 15, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
3
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.
7
6 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 77 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 BMW 330I, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, airbags and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 24 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V018000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
292,948 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
14V428000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS

Jun 11, 2018
574,007 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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 [email protected].
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
15V318000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

May 28, 2015
419,235 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA09019ClosedEngineering Analysis

Rear Lamp Illumination

Opened Dec 18, 2009
Closed Sep 28, 2011

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 11V438000
PE09036ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

Opened Aug 7, 2009
Closed Dec 22, 2009

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 11V438000
DP09002ClosedDefect Petition

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

Opened Apr 8, 2009
Closed Aug 6, 2009

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 77
AirbagsBody & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 7, 2020
Crash reportedFire reported5 injuries reported2 deaths reported

THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY HOUSE AND THE TRANSMISION STARTED SLIPPING AS WELL AS IT CATCHING AND BREAKING ONE OF THE AXLES LEAVING THE CAR TO BE STUCK NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE PERIOD SURELY THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR GETTING HIT AND THE FUEL TANK EXPLODING MY AUNT WANT NOT ABLE TO MAKE IT OUT OF THE CAR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND AGAIN THIS CAR DIDN'T ALLOW THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY THE LOCATION IS UNKOWN

NHTSA ID
11327653
Incident
Aug 20, 2019
Mileage
75,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jan 3, 2018

ALL PASSENGER DOORS EXCEPT DRIVER DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED USING ANY METHOD--THE KEY OR ANY UNLOCK BUTTON, OR USING EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS LEAVES ONLY THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR OPENABLE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR THIS WAY--I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY KIDS OUT OF THE BACK SEAT. IT HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR NOT, AND MOVING OR NOT.

NHTSA ID
11058203
Incident
Jan 3, 2018
Mileage
130,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 30, 2017

MY 4TH GT RADIAL TIRE SIDE WALL BLOW OUT. ON 10/29/2017, MY 4TH TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDE WALL ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 70 MPH. I HAVE SAVED THE THIS TIRE AND THE 3RD ONE THAT BLEW OUT A FEW MONTHS BACK FOR INVESTIGATION. I ALSO HAVE PICTURES.

NHTSA ID
11041392
Incident
Oct 29, 2017
Mileage
180,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 18, 2017

I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 GT RADIAL TIRES FROM DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT AND 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAVE NOW BLOWN THE SIDEWALLS DUE TO AIR LEAK AT THE SIDEWALL. TIRE #1- RIGHT FRONT BLEW OUT ON 9/28/2016. TIRE #2- LEFT REAR- BLEW OUT ON 7/28/2017, TIRE #3- LEFT REAR ( MOVED THE TIRE FROM LEFT FRONT TO REAR) BLEW OUT ON 8/19/2017. WHEN I CALLED GT RADIAL TIRE TO FILE A COMPLAINT (SEPT 7, 2017 4:12PM EST), I ONLY GOT TO LEAVE A VOICE MAIL TO THEIR CONSUMER SERVICE PERSON. I NEVER GOT A CALL BACK. AFTER THE 3RD TIRE BLEW OUT, I QUESTIONED THE SAFETY OF THE TIRE AND THAT'S WHEN I LOOKED UP TIRE RECALL BY GT RADIAL AND FOUND THEIR TOURING TIRES OF THE SAME MODEL AS MINE HAD THE SAME DEFECT AND WAS RECALLED. I BELIEVE MY TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TIRE INFORMATION FROM THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. I AM SAVING THE TIRE AND ALSO HAVE PICTURES. DOT CODE- 9UPE-00A-2114, E4 0257209-S, GT RADIAL- CHAMPIRO UHP1, SIZE= 255-35-18 94W XL

NHTSA ID
11023998
Incident
Aug 19, 2017
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 18, 2017

I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 GT RADIAL TIRES FROM DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT AND 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAVE NOW BLOWN THE SIDEWALLS DUE TO AIR LEAK AT THE SIDEWALL. TIRE #1- RIGHT FRONT BLEW OUT ON 9/28/2016. TIRE #2- LEFT REAR- BLEW OUT ON 7/28/2017, TIRE #3- LEFT REAR ( MOVED THE TIRE FROM LEFT FRONT TO REAR) BLEW OUT ON 8/19/2017. WHEN I CALLED GT RADIAL TIRE TO FILE A COMPLAINT (SEPT 7, 2017 4:12PM EST), I ONLY GOT TO LEAVE A VOICE MAIL TO THEIR CONSUMER SERVICE PERSON. I NEVER GOT A CALL BACK. AFTER THE 3RD TIRE BLEW OUT, I QUESTIONED THE SAFETY OF THE TIRE AND THAT'S WHEN I LOOKED UP TIRE RECALL BY GT RADIAL AND FOUND THEIR TOURING TIRES OF THE SAME MODEL AS MINE HAD THE SAME DEFECT AND WAS RECALLED. I BELIEVE MY TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TIRE INFORMATION FROM THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. I AM SAVING THE TIRE AND ALSO HAVE PICTURES. DOT CODE- 9UPE-00A-2114, E4 0257209-S, GT RADIAL- CHAMPIRO UHP1, SIZE= 255-35-18 94W XL

NHTSA ID
11023993
Incident
Aug 19, 2017
Airbags
Filed Sep 12, 2017

HI I HAVE TWO BMW'S THAT QUALIFY FOR THIS RECALL. I LEARNED ABOUT IT 6 WEEKS AGO. MY FIANC AND I HAVNT BEEN ABLE TO USE OUR VEHICLES IN ALMOST 2 MONTHS! I EVEN CALLED AND WENT TO THE BMW OF AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE AIR BAG FOR THE ONE AND OUR SECOND CAR THEY WOULD WRITE THE ORDER UP WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP . NEEDLESS TO SAY I EVEN BROUGHT OVER A DEALERSHIP MEMO FROM BMW BECAUSE I WORK IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND HAVE ACESSS TO IDENTIFIX.COM, I SHOWED THEM THE NOTICE WHERE THEY HAVE TO GIVE CUSTOMERS LOANER VEHICLES OR PAY UP TO $68 A DAY FOR A RENTAL CAR. THEY KEEP IGNORING MY CALLS.

NHTSA ID
11022800
Incident
Jul 3, 2017
Mileage
183,000 mi
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Jul 19, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 14V428000 (AIR BAGS), AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE MALFUNCTIONED BY BLINKING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN USE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE HIXSON BMW AND WALKER BMW DEALERS WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11006308
Incident
Jul 19, 2017
Mileage
150,000 mi
Airbags
Filed May 10, 2017
Crash reported

TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON 05/05/2017. I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. I WAS HIT SO HARD THAT I WAS DRIVEN INTO AN AUTOMOBILE THAT WAS WAITING AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE A TURN. BOTH SIDES OF MY AUTOMOBILE WERE DAMAGED. THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD TAKEN THE AUTOMOBILE TO THE DEALER WHEN I RECEIVED THE AIR BAG RECALL APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO.

NHTSA ID
10984633
Incident
May 5, 2017
Mileage
67,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B662419

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

B610120

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.

SIB662419

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected.

SIB640521

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; EQUIPMENT

A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell.

SIB510822

STRUCTURE

Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 330I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025410—
2024530—
2023330—
2022630—
2021297068.7
20205111070.2
2019409069.7
2018321153.2
2017410140.5
2011030—
2010030—
2009030—
2008030—
2007030—
20062197258.3
2005285560.2
20041135664.5
2003Viewing777358.1
2002457362.9
20011168051.7
2000030—
1999020—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.