Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Bmw 330XI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

33 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

106,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 19 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 33 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior39.1%
Electrical and battery issues26.1%
Steering behavior26.1%
Transmission and shifting13.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
11
Electrical System
7
Tires
4
Unknown Or Other
3
Air Bags:Frontal
2
Engine
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Structure:Body
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags11
Electrical System7
Tires4
Unknown Or Other3
Air Bags:Frontal2
Engine2
Exterior Lighting2
Structure:Body2

Air Bags: 11; Electrical System: 7; Tires: 4; Unknown Or Other: 3; Air Bags:Frontal: 2; Engine: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Structure:Body: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
5
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above5

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 5

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 14 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
1
2005
2
2008
1
2009
1
2010
2
2012
4
2013
1
2014
1
2015
4
2016
4
2017
1
2018
1
2019
2
2020
2
2021
3
2022
2
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20041
20052
20081
20091
20102
20124
20131
20141
20154
20164
20171
20181
20192
20202
20213
20222
20251

2004: 1; 2005: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2012: 4; 2013: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 4; 2016: 4; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 2; 2020: 2; 2021: 3; 2022: 2; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10079790 · 2004-06-23 (June 23, 2004)

COMPLAINT REGARDING DEFECTIVE GOODYEAR TIRES. *MR THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. *SC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 17,915 miles reported. Look up ODI 10079790 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10137615 · 2005-09-26 (September 26, 2005)

ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE EXPERIENCED TIRE BLOW OUTS ON A TOTAL OF 4 TIRES ON MY 2003 BMW 330XI. ALL WERE CAUSED BY DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND STRIKING EITHER A POTHOLE OR A RAISED MANHOLE COVER. MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE ALSO CRACKED THE ALLOY WHEEL WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. BMW SAYS THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED AND THE "WHEELS ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR HITTING POTHOLES". SINCE WHEN ARE CARS ONLY DESIGNED FOR OPERATING UNDER PERFECT CONDITIONS? TOTAL REPAIR EXPENSE HAS BEEN NEARLY $2000. THIS RESULTS FROM WHAT I BEL…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10137615 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10138737 · 2005-10-05 (October 5, 2005)

TAIL LIGHTS FAILED ON MY 2003 BMW 330XI. THE SHOP FOREMAN AT MY BMW DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT HE HAS BEEN SEEING A LOT OF TAIL LIGHT FAILURES BECAUSE THE WIRING WAS NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE LOAD AND THEREFORE THE WIRES HAVE BEEN FRYING OUT. MY WORK ORDER STATES REPAIRS WERE DONE TO DIAGNOSE & REPLACE MELTED TAIL LIGHT CONNECTORS AND WIRING. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 56,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10138737 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10244492 · 2008-10-06 (October 6, 2008)

WE BOUGHT A BMW 330XI IN AUGUST 2003. IN APRIL AND JULY 2007, WE HAD THE AIRBAG SIGN COME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. WE GOT IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME WE HAD IT AND IT WORKED WELL FOR A WHILE - NO SIGN. THEN THE SIGN CAME ON AGAIN IN JUNE. WE GAVE IT FOR REPAIR AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN REPAIRED IT AND TOLD US THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN SOLVED. OUR CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY IN AUGUST 2007. WE HAVE THAT SIGN COMING UP AGAIN SINCE SEPTEMBER 2007. WE GAVE FOR REPAIRS TO A NON-DEALER FACILITY (ABOUT SUMMER 2008) AND THE IT COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 34,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10244492 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10273190 · 2009-06-09 (June 9, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE IN THE ROAD, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER PORTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE TOP PORTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAD NO AIR IN IT; THEREFORE, IT COULD NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A BMW SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A POTHOLE SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. HE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED…

Owner-reported narrative. 43,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10273190 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10311127 · 2010-02-16 (February 16, 2010)

THE CAR HAD NO SYMPTOMS LEADING UP TO THE EVENT. CAR WAS IDLING IN PARKING LOT TO WARM UP AND RANDOMLY TURNED OFF. WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP. FOUND OUT THAT THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM FROZE CAUSING OIL PRESENT IN ALL SIX CYLINDERS. SYSTEM WAS REPLACED ONCE THE MECHANIC HAD ACCESS TO THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. MECHANIC WAS SURPRISED TO SEE BMW HAD NO RECALLS FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW SINCE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN MOVING WITH 2500-3500 RPMS, MUCH MORE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED WITH ANYWHERE F…

Owner-reported narrative. 79,096 miles reported. Look up ODI 10311127 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10313671 · 2010-02-24 (February 24, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58000.

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10313671 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10457540 · 2012-05-04 (May 4, 2012)

THE DOORS ON OUR BMX 330XI WILL LOCK AND WE CANNOT UNLOCK THEM FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE USING THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OR THE KEY FOB. MY WIFE AND KIDS HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOWS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. I CALLED THE BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO HAVE IT TOWED AND THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT AND IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 300 SERIES. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10457540 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

11V438000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights | Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Reported: 2011-08-26 (August 26, 2011)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.

Consequence: INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V172000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2013-05-02 (May 2, 2013)

BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V428000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 11, 2018)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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].

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V318000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

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: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

33 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

57.6%Usable mileage19 / 33 records
100.0%Valid incident date33 / 33 records
100.0%Valid filing date33 / 33 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 33 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Air Bags
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

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218.2%
ODI 10472559 · 88,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THE OTHER DRIVER CENTERED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BUT DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER'S DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. WE COULD SEE HIT HANGING FROM THE REAR PILLAR TO THE FRONT PILLAR BUT IT WAS STILL TUBULAR SHAPED AND DID NOT PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM HITTING HER HEAD ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE FRONT PANEL WAS COMPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10472559 at NHTSA ↗

840.0%
ODI 10779370

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10779370 at NHTSA ↗

1133.3%
ODI 10244492 · 34,800 mi

WE BOUGHT A BMW 330XI IN AUGUST 2003. IN APRIL AND JULY 2007, WE HAD THE AIRBAG SIGN COME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. WE GOT IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME WE HAD IT AND IT WORKED WELL FOR A WHILE - NO SIGN. THEN THE SIGN CAME ON AGAIN IN JUNE. WE GAVE IT FOR REPAIR AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN REPAIRED IT AND TOLD US THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN SOLVED. OUR CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY IN AUGUST 2007. WE HAVE THAT SIGN COMING UP AGAIN SINCE SEPTEMBER 2007. WE GAVE FOR REPAIRS TO A NON-DEALER FACILITY (ABOUT SUMMER 2008) AND THE IT COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. THE …

Look up ODI 10244492 at NHTSA ↗

861.5%
ODI 10689352

2004 BMW 330XI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL LETTER SHE RECEIVED STATED THE WORK WOULD BE PERFORMED FOR FREE. HOWEVER, SHE WAS CHARGED $99.50 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AIR BAG. *JB

Look up ODI 10689352 at NHTSA ↗

650.0%
ODI 10652927 · 43,000 mi

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IN MY ONLY CAR IS DEFECTIVE. I CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN GREENWOOD INDIANA TO SCHEDULE THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS PART. I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST SINCE THIS PART IS "BACK ORDERED". THEY PROMISED TO CALL ME AS SOON AS THE PART WAS AVAILABLE BUT COULD NOT STATE WHEN THAT CALL WOULD OCCUR. I TOLD THE GENTLEMAN THAT I MUST DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE EVERY WEEK FOR BUSINESS WITH MY STANDARD POODLE SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. MY DOG PROVIDES SECURITY ON THESE LONG…

Look up ODI 10652927 at NHTSA ↗

6461.5%
ODI 10430236

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL) AND WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Look up ODI 10430236 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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Electrical System
0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

315.0%
ODI 10403008 · 82,000 mi

FAILURE OF THE GENERAL MODULE 5 WHICH RESULTS IN FAILING TO OPENING THE DOOR VIA THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE CENTER CONSOLE AND KEY REMOTE. THIS WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE DOUBLE LOCKING MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE TO WHICH PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY EITHER ELECTRONICALLY OR MECHANICALLY (MANUAL LOCKS DO NOT WORK) FORCED TO LEAVE EITHER THROUGH THE WINDOW, TRUNK THROUGH REAR SEAT IF THE CAR HAS THIS FEATURE OR POSSIBLY ONLY THROUGH DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, IF THE LOCKS FAIL ELECTRONICALLY THE PASSENGERS INSIDE …

Look up ODI 10403008 at NHTSA ↗

721.2%
ODI 10457540

THE DOORS ON OUR BMX 330XI WILL LOCK AND WE CANNOT UNLOCK THEM FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE USING THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OR THE KEY FOB. MY WIFE AND KIDS HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOWS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. I CALLED THE BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO HAVE IT TOWED AND THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT AND IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 300 SERIES. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW…

Look up ODI 10457540 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10461155 · 102,000 mi

SECURITY LOCK SYSTEM FAILED TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND THE PASSENGERS HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOWS TO EXIT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY (E.G. CAR DROVE INTO DEEP WATER) THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY TO EXIT THE CAR. SEEM LIKE A SERIOUS FAILURE. *TR

Look up ODI 10461155 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10439074

IN AUGUST 2011 I GOT A WARNING INDICATOR THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH MY RIGHT TAILLIGHT. IN NOVEMBER 2011 (IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND OTHER WORK) BMW MECHANICS AT MY AREA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT MY TAILLIGHT SUFFERED FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE CURRENT RECALL FOR 2003-2005 3 SERIES TAILLIGHTS THAT MAY CAUSE A FIRE. BMW TOLD ME MY VIN "DID NOT APPEAR" TO BE LISTED ON THEIR RECALL LIST AND THAT DESPITE THE ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CERTIFIED MECHANICS, I WOULD HAVE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA IN ORDER TO GET YOU TO TELL…

Look up ODI 10439074 at NHTSA ↗

1817.3%
ODI 10425271

THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING NEAR THE PORT FOR THE IPHONE CHARGER ON THE DASH (LIGHTER.) THE PORTAL WAS COLD TO THE TOUCH. AFTER ABOUT MORE 20 YARDS THE COCKPIT FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVING FINE AND WAS QUICKLY PULLED TO AN EMPTY PART OF THE PARKING LOT AND WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER PULLING THE HOOD RELEASE I JUMPED FROM THE CAR AND SHUT THE DOOR -- I IMMEDIATELY TRIED RE-OPENING IT TO LET THE SMOKE FROM THE COCKPIT AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN BY TOUCH OR WITH THE KEY FOB. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE LOOKED CLEAN. TO THE FAR RIGHT …

Look up ODI 10425271 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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Seat Belts
0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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19.1%
ODI 10472559 · 88,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THE OTHER DRIVER CENTERED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BUT DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER'S DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. WE COULD SEE HIT HANGING FROM THE REAR PILLAR TO THE FRONT PILLAR BUT IT WAS STILL TUBULAR SHAPED AND DID NOT PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM HITTING HER HEAD ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE FRONT PANEL WAS COMPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10472559 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10162018

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY IT HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SEATBELT LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED WHO SENT OUT A TECHNICIAN TO OBSERVED THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED PROBLMS WITH THE LATCH AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO DEALERS WITH A SERVICE WAIVER SIGNED OFF FOR REPAIRS TO THE VEHCILE. WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING TAKEN TO THE DEALER, A COLLISION WITH A DEER WAS AVOIDED BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. THIS INCIDENT RESULTED IN INJURIES TO THE DRIVER'S NECK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE …

Look up ODI 10162018 at NHTSA ↗

1413.5%
ODI 10444911 · 74,000 mi

MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE MESSAGE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE, IT APPEARED THAT BMW HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT: NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000. HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING BMW, I AM BEING TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE DEFECT EXTENDS BEYOND THE VINS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL GIVEN THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND BMW IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10444911 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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Exterior Lighting
0Unavailable

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0Unavailable

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218.2%
ODI 10554396 · 162,000 mi

THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAVE PARTIALLY FAILED. ONE SET OF BRAKE LIGHT BULBS, THE DUAL FILAMENT BULBS NO LONGER LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ARE IN WORKING ORDER SO IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE WIRING OR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10554396 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10307488 · 60,000 mi

8-PIN CONNECTOR AT REAR TAIL LIGHTS IN 2002 BMW 330XI HAS PARTIALLY MELTED, CONTACTS APPEAR CORRODED. "LIGHT OUT" INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 10307488 at NHTSA ↗

26.1%
ODI 11184018 · 164,300 mi

ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, AND NOW THE CAR STAYS ON WHEN THE KEY OUT OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE RECALL WAS FIXED BEFORE ABOUT THE LIGHTS BUT THEY STARTED BACK AGAIN I JUST GOT THE CAR AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT WITHOUT THE BATTERY DYING IF I GO TO WORK OR EVEN THE STORE

Look up ODI 11184018 at NHTSA ↗

323.1%
ODI 10510536 · 61,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED ERRONEOUSLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REFLECTORS HAD DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10510536 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10439074

IN AUGUST 2011 I GOT A WARNING INDICATOR THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH MY RIGHT TAILLIGHT. IN NOVEMBER 2011 (IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND OTHER WORK) BMW MECHANICS AT MY AREA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT MY TAILLIGHT SUFFERED FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE CURRENT RECALL FOR 2003-2005 3 SERIES TAILLIGHTS THAT MAY CAUSE A FIRE. BMW TOLD ME MY VIN "DID NOT APPEAR" TO BE LISTED ON THEIR RECALL LIST AND THAT DESPITE THE ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CERTIFIED MECHANICS, I WOULD HAVE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA IN ORDER TO GET YOU TO TELL…

Look up ODI 10439074 at NHTSA ↗

21.9%
ODI 10721145 · 142,000 mi

REAR EXTERIOR SAFETY LIGHTING DOES NOT WORK DUE TO DESIGN FLAW WHERE TRUNK LID BREAKS GROUND WIRES. RECALL ALREADY DONE ON OTHER MODEL YEARS. BMW SKIPPED RECALL ON 2006 E90S. MANY CONSUMERS ARE STILL HAVING THE SYSTEM SHORT DUE TO GROUND AND CRIMP ISSUES. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WITH POTENTIAL FIRES AND OR CRASHES

Look up ODI 10721145 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.0%
ODI 10257202 · 63,000 mi

PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNING THROUGH LEATHER SEAT COVER INTO MY PANTS AND BURNING THE UNDERSIDE OF MY THIGH. THERE WAS VISIBLE SMOKE AND A VERY STRONG BURNING SMELL. *TR

Look up ODI 10257202 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 10457556

DRIVERS SEAT HAS SEAT WARMERS AND THE SEAT OVERHEATS WHEN TURNED ON. IT HAS BURNED A SMALL HOLE IN MY SEAT AND PROBABLY WOULD CAUSE A FIRE IF LEFT TURNED ON. *TR

Look up ODI 10457556 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

87.7%
ODI 10444911 · 74,000 mi

MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE MESSAGE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE, IT APPEARED THAT BMW HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT: NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000. HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING BMW, I AM BEING TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE DEFECT EXTENDS BEYOND THE VINS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL GIVEN THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND BMW IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10444911 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10562146 · 135,000 mi

CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ALL DAY UNTIL EVENING WHEN I DROVE CAR 4-5 MILES TO ONE RESIDENCE, CONTINUED WITH PASSENGER FOR ANOTHER FEW MILES TO ANOTHER RESIDENCE, PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. REMAINED IN CAR BRIEFLY WHILE FINISHING A CONVERSATION WHEN NOTICED GRAY/WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, CALLED FOR HELP FROM RESIDENT. WHEN USE OF 2 PERSONAL EXTINGUISHERS DIDN'T HELP, CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO RESPONDED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT NOTES ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS FULLY INV…

Look up ODI 10562146 at NHTSA ↗

210.0%
ODI 10459231 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED SLOWLY TO THE SHOULDER AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND PREVIOUSLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REP…

Look up ODI 10459231 at NHTSA ↗

26.1%
ODI 11104782 · 106,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S JOB, THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED DAYS BEFORE THE FIRE, BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE REPAIR CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, BUT NOT TOWED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONCE A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, THEY COULD DISCLOSE SPECIFICALLY WHERE THE …

Look up ODI 11104782 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.8%
ODI 11072362 · 195,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BLOOMFIELD (425 BLOOMFIELD AVE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003) AND REPAIRED. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COOLANT AND EXPANSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEAL…

Look up ODI 11072362 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.0%
ODI 11320188 · 126,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50MPH I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND DURING THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED HALF WAY DURING A FULL ROTATION AND LOCKED UP PREVENTING ME FROM MAKING A FULL RIGHT HAND TURN. ONCE PARKED I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND IT STOPPED HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN AGAIN.

Look up ODI 11320188 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

87.7%
ODI 10434424 · 101,023 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK. AN ERROR MESSAGE SHOWS ON THE DISPLAY INDICATING A STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION. THIS ERROR WOULD NOT ALLOW FOR THE CAR TO START. THIS RESULTED IN THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NEEDING REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10434424 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 748059

I HAD 2 TIRES GO SUDDENLY FLAT ON THE SAME DAY. CAR HAD ONLY 4500 MILES AT THE TIME. NO OBVIOUS PUNTURE OR DAMAGE. REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AT LOCAL TIRE DEALER BECAUSE BMW DEALER DID NOT HAVE IN STOCK. 1 WEEK LATER, I READ ABOUT NHTSA RECALL #00V383 AND CONTACTED BOTH DEALER AND BMW USA AFTER DEALER REPLIED THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL. AFTER HAVING HIM RESEARCH FURTHER, I WAS SIMPLY TOLD THAT MY BMW 330XI, MANUFACTURED DURING THE QUESTIONED TIMEFRAME WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. I GOT THE SAME FROM BMW USA. I QUESTION HOW 2 VIRTUALLY BRAND NEW…

Look up ODI 748059 at NHTSA ↗

210.0%
ODI 10073371

SAFETY DEFECT WITH LOW PROFILE TIRES AND WHEELS. (NAR) *MR *LA *CB

Look up ODI 10073371 at NHTSA ↗

412.1%
ODI 10079790 · 17,915 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING DEFECTIVE GOODYEAR TIRES. *MR THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. *SC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10079790 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.9%
ODI 10416584 · 27,941 mi

I HAVE A 2006 BMW 330XI WITH 28,000 MILES. IT CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE050A RUN FLAT TIRES. I HAVE HAD 6 TIRE FAILURES, ONE OF WHICH WAS A BLOWOUT, ALL FROM THE SAME CAUSE ---SIDEWALL BUBBLES/BULGES. THERE IS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE TIRES JUDGING FROM THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON TIRERACK.COM. I HAVE SO LITTLE CONFIDENCE IN THESE VERY EXPENSIVE TIRES THAT I'VE PURCHASED ROAD HAZARD PROTECTION WITH THE LAST FIVE TIRES AT A COST OF $245. I'VE SPENT A TOTAL OF $1,640.27 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THESE TIRES, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE…

Look up ODI 10416584 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range47,400 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10244492 · 34,800 mi

WE BOUGHT A BMW 330XI IN AUGUST 2003. IN APRIL AND JULY 2007, WE HAD THE AIRBAG SIGN COME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. WE GOT IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME WE HAD IT AND IT WORKED WELL FOR A WHILE - NO SIGN. THEN THE SIGN CAME ON AGAIN IN JUNE. WE GAVE IT FOR REPAIR AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN REPAIRED IT AND TOLD US THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN SOLVED. OUR CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY IN AUGUST 2007. WE HAVE THAT SIGN COMING UP AGAIN SINCE SEPTEMBER 2007. WE GAVE FOR REPAIRS TO A NON-DEALER FACILITY (ABOUT SUMMER 2008) AND THE IT COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. THE …

Look up ODI 10244492 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10667036 · 109,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…

Look up ODI 10667036 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10681404 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED ,THE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…

Look up ODI 10681404 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range131,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10465090 · 110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330 XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS ON FILE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN QUALIFIED FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

Look up ODI 10465090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10547744 · 79,000 mi

I WAS IN A PARKING GARAGE THE WEEKEND AFTER I HAD JUST BOUGHT MY 2003 BMW 330XI MAN IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, I HAD MY GIRLFRIEND WITH ME AT THE TIME. UPON TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WE COULDN'T NOTHING WOULD UNLOCK THE DOORS, NOTHING WOULD ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS, THIS WAS EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING TO BE HAPPENING ON A DATE. SHE COULDN'T BELIEVE WE WERE STUCK IN THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO WAY OUT. LUCKILY HAVING MY CELL PHONE I WAS ABLE TO CALL 911 SO THEY COULD HELP ME. I MANAGED TO HAVE THE SUNROOF OPEN AT THE TIME AND WAS ABLE TO HAND THEM MY KEYS WHERE T…

Look up ODI 10547744 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10911077 · 153,000 mi

I'VE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR MANY YEARS NOW BUT NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THESE ISSUES AS CAN BE FOUND WHEN DOING SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET. THIS PROBLEM INVOLVES THE DOOR NOT UNLOCKING AFTER BEING LOCKED VIA THE CENTER CONSOLE, KEY FOB, OR AUTO LOCK FEATURE WHEN VEHICLE IS MOBILE. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED ACROSS MULTIPLE BUILD TYPES DURING THE EARLY 2000'S. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IN AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE WHEN OCCUPANTS CANNOT SAFELY AND QUICKLY EXIT THE CAR WITHOUT HAVING THE BREAK THE WI…

Look up ODI 10911077 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range17,915 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10079790 · 17,915 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING DEFECTIVE GOODYEAR TIRES. *MR THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. *SC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10079790 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range50,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10273190 · 43,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE IN THE ROAD, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER PORTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE TOP PORTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAD NO AIR IN IT; THEREFORE, IT COULD NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A BMW SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A POTHOLE SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. HE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED…

Look up ODI 10273190 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10313671 · 58,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58000.

Look up ODI 10313671 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range106,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11104782 · 106,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S JOB, THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED DAYS BEFORE THE FIRE, BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE REPAIR CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, BUT NOT TOWED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONCE A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, THEY COULD DISCLOSE SPECIFICALLY WHERE THE …

Look up ODI 11104782 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range161,300 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11184018 · 164,300 mi

ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, AND NOW THE CAR STAYS ON WHEN THE KEY OUT OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE RECALL WAS FIXED BEFORE ABOUT THE LIGHTS BUT THEY STARTED BACK AGAIN I JUST GOT THE CAR AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT WITHOUT THE BATTERY DYING IF I GO TO WORK OR EVEN THE STORE

Look up ODI 11184018 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11412892 · 158,300 mi

330I SEDAN - ZKW HID HEADLIGHTS WITH BURNT XENON BULB REFLECTORS RENDERING THE HEADLIGHTS INEFFECTIVE AND THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.

Look up ODI 11412892 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range142,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11268417 · 110,000 mi

WINDOW BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS BEING LOWERED. HEAR WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A CRACKING SOUND. WINDOW STAYED IN THE DOWN POSITION AND COULD NOT BE RAISED. SMALL CHILD WAS SEATED IN HIS CAR SEAT NEXT TO WINDOW. WE WERE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH. (HWY 540). A THUNDERSTORM BEGAN, NO SAFE WAY TO PULL OVER FOR ABOUT A MILE OR TWO. 4 YR OLD CHILD WAS SCARED, WET AND HOT (NORTH CAROLINA-SUMMER). CHILD WAS NOT HARMED, JUST VERY SCARED. SEMI TRAILER TRUCKS HAULING BY. VERY BUSY TIME OF DAY. CHILD WAS MY …

Look up ODI 11268417 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11321870 · 175,000 mi

POWER TO CAR WAS CUT. COULD NOT UNLOCK DOORS OR PULL DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN DOOR/UNLOCK. STUCK INSIDE.

Look up ODI 11321870 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-041None
ODI 11656332

While I was driving the air bags went off.

Look up ODI 11656332 at NHTSA ↗

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2010: 0 complaints · 2011: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2010000
2011000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2010000
2011000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsElectrical SystemTiresUnknown Or OtherAir Bags:FrontalEngineExterior LightingStructure:Body
Air Bags—
1
ODI 11054518

TAKATA RECALL: AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED ON 11/23/16. THE AIR BAG RED LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON AND WAS NEVER RESET BY THE DEALER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE. TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT IS UNRESOLVED, STILL ON

Look up ODI 11054518 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11054518

TAKATA RECALL: AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED ON 11/23/16. THE AIR BAG RED LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON AND WAS NEVER RESET BY THE DEALER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE. TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT IS UNRESOLVED, STILL ON

Look up ODI 11054518 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Electrical System
1
ODI 11054518

TAKATA RECALL: AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED ON 11/23/16. THE AIR BAG RED LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON AND WAS NEVER RESET BY THE DEALER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE. TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT IS UNRESOLVED, STILL ON

Look up ODI 11054518 at NHTSA ↗

—0
2
ODI 11054518

TAKATA RECALL: AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED ON 11/23/16. THE AIR BAG RED LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON AND WAS NEVER RESET BY THE DEALER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE. TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT IS UNRESOLVED, STILL ON

Look up ODI 11054518 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11440350

Power windows Power windows broke on 3 windows. Sometimes the glass has shattered. Sometimes the glass just slides down and becomes non operational. Glass shattering has been scary and dangerous. This has occurred while driving. I live in a state with lots of weather. Thunderstorms. Has occurred with child in car seat during a thunderstorm. At highway speed. I have had them repaired at dealerships and at independent bmw repair shops. Cost has been approx $600. This began as early as 2010 and continues to this day.

Look up ODI 11440350 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11184018 · 164,300 mi

ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, AND NOW THE CAR STAYS ON WHEN THE KEY OUT OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE RECALL WAS FIXED BEFORE ABOUT THE LIGHTS BUT THEY STARTED BACK AGAIN I JUST GOT THE CAR AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT WITHOUT THE BATTERY DYING IF I GO TO WORK OR EVEN THE STORE

Look up ODI 11184018 at NHTSA ↗

0
Tires00—00000
Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 11054518

TAKATA RECALL: AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED ON 11/23/16. THE AIR BAG RED LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON AND WAS NEVER RESET BY THE DEALER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE. TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT IS UNRESOLVED, STILL ON

Look up ODI 11054518 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11054518

TAKATA RECALL: AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED ON 11/23/16. THE AIR BAG RED LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINED ON AND WAS NEVER RESET BY THE DEALER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE. TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT IS UNRESOLVED, STILL ON

Look up ODI 11054518 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11440350

Power windows Power windows broke on 3 windows. Sometimes the glass has shattered. Sometimes the glass just slides down and becomes non operational. Glass shattering has been scary and dangerous. This has occurred while driving. I live in a state with lots of weather. Thunderstorms. Has occurred with child in car seat during a thunderstorm. At highway speed. I have had them repaired at dealerships and at independent bmw repair shops. Cost has been approx $600. This began as early as 2010 and continues to this day.

Look up ODI 11440350 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 11449466

Coolant leak from exhaust manifold Reservoir fails All coolant hoses fail

Look up ODI 11449466 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags:Frontal0000—000
Engine000
1
ODI 11449466

Coolant leak from exhaust manifold Reservoir fails All coolant hoses fail

Look up ODI 11449466 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Exterior Lighting0
1
ODI 11184018 · 164,300 mi

ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, AND NOW THE CAR STAYS ON WHEN THE KEY OUT OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE RECALL WAS FIXED BEFORE ABOUT THE LIGHTS BUT THEY STARTED BACK AGAIN I JUST GOT THE CAR AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT WITHOUT THE BATTERY DYING IF I GO TO WORK OR EVEN THE STORE

Look up ODI 11184018 at NHTSA ↗

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Structure:Body0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 6.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 84,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10667036 · 109,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…

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ODI 10681404 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED ,THE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 106,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11104782 · 106,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S JOB, THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED DAYS BEFORE THE FIRE, BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE REPAIR CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, BUT NOT TOWED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONCE A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, THEY COULD DISCLOSE SPECIFICALLY WHERE THE …

Look up ODI 11104782 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b