repaired · 2021 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2002 BMW 330ciProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW 330ci, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-318 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 3, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 BMW 330ci has problems
46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
27Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
4Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
3Seats
2Tires
2Engine
1Seat belts
1Vehicle speed control
55 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 27 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 |
| Tires | 2 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2002 BMW 330ci recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
no report yet
Air bags
Do not driveRisk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other 330ci year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 330ci median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 BMW 330ci, and the recalls they led to.
- REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONNo recall
In owners' words
What 330ci owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and…
Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.
TAKATA RECALL. BMW OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA REPLACED ONLY ONE OF TWO BAGS RECALLED, EVEN THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT AND WORK ORDER SAID TO REPLACE BOTH AIR BAGS. THEY THEN SAID THE JOB HAS BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. WERE IT NOT FOR MY SUBSEQUENT CAREFUL REVIEW…
Own a 2002 330ci?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.