repaired · 2023 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
2001 BMW 330iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 116 owner complaints about the 2001 BMW 330i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-853 the manufacturer reports only 9% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Robert Yorde from Ohio, USA, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2001 BMW 330i has problems
116 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
35Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
23Power train
15Electrical system
10Visibility1 crash/fire/injury
8Engine and engine cooling
7Structure
7Exterior lighting
6Tires
5Vehicle speed control
289 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 35 | 4 |
| Power train | 23 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 0 |
| Visibility | 10 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 1 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 1 |
| Tires | 6 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 28 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2001 BMW 330i 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 · 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.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Air bags
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator…
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Cooling system: fan
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT.
no report yet
Cooling system: fan
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT.
no report yet
Wheels: rim
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.
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
2001 vs. every other 330i 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 330i median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 330i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
-My infrastructure system management has been affected overtime—which covers electronic control units (ECUs), software, and network architecture—are driven by the need to manage increasing system complexity, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and electronic malfunctions. -My De-icing fluid management…
Hi, my name is [XXX] and the owner of the 2001 BMW mentioned with the VIN number above. My airbag deployed for no reason as I was driving with my mother in the car on Tuesday the 26th of November around 5:30 p.m.., the airbag deployed for no reason at all I was doing the speed limit, driving with…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HER VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. CONTACT'S REAR LEFT TIRE BROKE OFF FROM HER CAR. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE AND VEERED TO LEFT SIDE OF…
Own a 2001 330i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.