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.
2004 BMW 330ciProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 77 owner complaints about the 2004 BMW 330ci, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 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 June 5, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 BMW 330ci has problems
77 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
31Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
13Engine and engine cooling
9Power train
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
8Exterior lighting
4Fuel system, gasoline
2Vehicle speed control
2Visibility
2Structure
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 31 | 6 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 13 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 2 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2004 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…
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
2004 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
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 BMW 330ci, and the recalls they led to.
- DELAYED TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENTNo recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-668
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 13V-172
In owners' words
What 330ci owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While backing out of a short driveway and placed t to drive, the vehicle revved and started speeding out of control with brakes applied. The vehicle sideswiped a neighbors vehicle before crashing head on into a tree causing it to stop. I had jerked up the emergency brake and ripped the key out of…
"TAKATA RECALL" I'VE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE VEHICLE APART OF THE TAKATA RECALL. I'M A SINGLE FATHER OF A 13 YR OLD SON. KNOWING THE DANGER MY SON HAS BEEN IN ALL OF THIS TIME HAS SHAKEN MY CORE COMFORT ZONE TO DUST. I'M NOW IN THE PROCESS TO CORRECT THIS BAD AIRBAG CURRENTLY…
1-10-2017 APPROX. 5:15PM. DRIVING HOME ON I-80 FREEWAY, RAINY WEATHER, 5PM TRAFFIC, SO I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 55MPH, THERE IS SOME ROUGH ROAD BUT NOT REALLY ANY POTHOLES. I DROVE OVER THE BAD ROAD AND THE DRIVER CURTAIN AND DOOR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THERE WAS NEVER ANY IMPACT BUT THE ROAD DID SHAKE…
Own a 2004 330ci?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.