Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
00–25K
225–50K
1250–75K
1075–100K
27100–150K
11150K+
62 reports with mileage · 20 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 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
82 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2017
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHED…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA (4171 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 969-0755). UPON ARRIVAL, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY WOULD ARRIVE IN SIX WEEKS, WHICH WAS OVER THREE MONTHS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PATS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11055473
184,000 miles · Sep 13, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
I BOUGHT A USED 2001 BMW 330CI 2DR COUPE ON THE DATE OF MAY 5TH 2017. I HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME APPROXIMATELY 7 WEEKS TIME. THE TAKATA AIR BAG WAS PRESENT IN THIS MODEL, ON TOP OF THAT THE WELL KNOWN OVERHEATING ISSUE CAME MY WAY. MY MODEL WOULD OVERHEAT AT THE POINT WHERE THE AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL FAN WO…
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I BOUGHT A USED 2001 BMW 330CI 2DR COUPE ON THE DATE OF MAY 5TH 2017. I HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME APPROXIMATELY 7 WEEKS TIME. THE TAKATA AIR BAG WAS PRESENT IN THIS MODEL, ON TOP OF THAT THE WELL KNOWN OVERHEATING ISSUE CAME MY WAY. MY MODEL WOULD OVERHEAT AT THE POINT WHERE THE AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL FAN WOULD NOT KICK IN TO AVOID OVERHEATING. ELECTRICAL STABILITY WAS AT LOST DUE TO THESE PRESENT ISSUES. ODDLY ENOUGH THE FAN WOULD ACTUALLY RUN IN REVERSE POLARITY PUSHING AIR OUT OF THE ENGINE WHEN IT SHOULD BE PULLING THE AIR IN. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR OVERHEATED CAUSING ME TO BREAK DOWN, A THERMOSTAT ISSUE COULD BE PRESENT ALL OF THIS OCCURRED IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #11023362
83,000 miles · Aug 15, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED A NOTICE BY MAIL THAT MY CAR IS SUBJECT TO TWO RECALLS. I WILL HAVE THESE RECALLS PERFORMED AT BMW DEALER SOON. I REQUEST BEING PART OF THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
NHTSA ODI #11015317
122,000 miles · Jun 8, 2017
Structure
THE RUBBER OR SEALS AROUND MY WINDSHIELD HAS DETERIORATED BADLY AS WELL AS SIDE WINDOWS TO. IT SHOULD BE THE COMPANY'S RESPONSIBILTY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AS SO MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IT'S AN OBVIOUS DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL. ALSO THE CLEAR COAT OF THE PAINT ON THIS MODEL HAS PEELED REALLY BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE…
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THE RUBBER OR SEALS AROUND MY WINDSHIELD HAS DETERIORATED BADLY AS WELL AS SIDE WINDOWS TO. IT SHOULD BE THE COMPANY'S RESPONSIBILTY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AS SO MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IT'S AN OBVIOUS DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL. ALSO THE CLEAR COAT OF THE PAINT ON THIS MODEL HAS PEELED REALLY BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THESE ISSUES IT'S AN OBVIOUS RECALL. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER BMW. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS. 2001 BMW 330 CI
NHTSA ODI #10993928
90,000 miles · Apr 15, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
DASH INDICATED LEFT TAILLIGHT WAS OUT WHEN IT WASN'T, THIS WAS RANDOM ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE DASH PANEL INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. I STOPPED, AND NOTICED THE MELTED WIRES FROM THE TAIL LIGHT HARNESS. AS I LOOKED AT THEM I CO…
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DASH INDICATED LEFT TAILLIGHT WAS OUT WHEN IT WASN'T, THIS WAS RANDOM ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE DASH PANEL INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. I STOPPED, AND NOTICED THE MELTED WIRES FROM THE TAIL LIGHT HARNESS. AS I LOOKED AT THEM I COULD SEE THEM SPARKING WHEN CERTAIN MOVEMENTS OCCURRED., VERY DANGEROUSLY AND ERRATIC. BOTH MALE AND FEMALE SIDES MELTED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS IT IMPEDES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS WHEN TURNING OR STOPPING. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIPS ATTENTION BUT THEY DO NOT CONSIDER THIS AN IMPORTANT ENOUGH ISSUE TO REPLACE IT AS PART OF A RECALL OR SERVICE RECOVERY.
NHTSA ODI #10855727
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE SAFETY RECALL FOR 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 OTHER OCCUPANTS. I HAVE CALLED COGGIN'S BMW, FT PIERCE, FL SIX TIMES SINCE T…
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TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE SAFETY RECALL FOR 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 OTHER OCCUPANTS. I HAVE CALLED COGGIN'S BMW, FT PIERCE, FL SIX TIMES SINCE THEN, AND HAVE BEEN TOLD "THEY ARE STILL AWAITING AIR BAG". GOING ON TWO YEARS, AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY SATISFACTION.
NHTSA ODI #10853564
155,000 miles · Jan 12, 2016
Suspension
REAR SUBFRAME CRACKED DESPITE NORMAL DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10819780
162,000 miles · Dec 13, 2015
Unknown Or Other
YESTERDAY, 12/12/15, MY REVERSE STOPPED WORKING WHILE AT THE GAS STATION. IT ONLY REVVED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE REVERSE GEAR TO MOVE CLOSER TO A PUMP. I'M RETIRED AND NEED THIS CAR FOR MY ONLY SOURCE OF GETTING AROUND. AND YESTERDAY WAS MY 73RD BIRTHDAY. RECENT COST TO FIX THE CAR TO PASS SMOG TESTS COST: $2900 AND 7 MONTHS…
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YESTERDAY, 12/12/15, MY REVERSE STOPPED WORKING WHILE AT THE GAS STATION. IT ONLY REVVED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE REVERSE GEAR TO MOVE CLOSER TO A PUMP. I'M RETIRED AND NEED THIS CAR FOR MY ONLY SOURCE OF GETTING AROUND. AND YESTERDAY WAS MY 73RD BIRTHDAY. RECENT COST TO FIX THE CAR TO PASS SMOG TESTS COST: $2900 AND 7 MONTHS WITHOUT THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10809873
Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury
2001 BMW 330. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FORCE TO WARRANT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE FORCE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING WAS SO FORCEFUL, HE BACK WAS BROKEN. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10681244
166,181 miles · Oct 8, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructure
SUPPORT STRAP FOR GAS TANK BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS DRAGGING ON GROUND. VEHICLE WAS IN RESIDENTIAL AREA AND MADE LOUD METAL DRAGGING NOISE. THE WELDS BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME LEAVING THE GAS TANK UNSUPPORTED ON PASSENGER SIDE. DEFINITE FUEL FIRE HAZARD CAR IS NOW IN DRIVEWAY UNTIL REPAIR. THIS IS MY COMMUTER …
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SUPPORT STRAP FOR GAS TANK BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS DRAGGING ON GROUND. VEHICLE WAS IN RESIDENTIAL AREA AND MADE LOUD METAL DRAGGING NOISE. THE WELDS BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME LEAVING THE GAS TANK UNSUPPORTED ON PASSENGER SIDE. DEFINITE FUEL FIRE HAZARD CAR IS NOW IN DRIVEWAY UNTIL REPAIR. THIS IS MY COMMUTER CAR AND DEALER SHOULD FIX. HOW IS A GAS TANK SUPPORTED BY WELDS THAT SIMPLY BREAK? DESIGN FLAW..
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.
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.
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 330CI Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year