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.
2003 BMW 330ciProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2003 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 August 18, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 BMW 330ci has problems
18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Structure
1Tires
1Exterior lighting
1Engine
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 9 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 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
2003 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
In owners' words
What 330ci owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
WENT THROUGH A POT HOLE IN THE FREEWAY AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED..AIR BAG ONLY SHOW HALF FILL..MY SPEED ABOUT 60 MPH..IS THIS HOW IT WORKS. NO DAMAGED EXCEPT NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A STROKE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THAT METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE MOUTH AND LOST A TOOTH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED.…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION IN JUNE OF 2016. THE DEALER (BMW OF EL PASO, 6318 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TX, 79925)…
Own a 2003 330ci?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.