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 330xiProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW 330xi, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-428 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 24, 2020. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 BMW 330xi has problems
20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Engine
2Tires
1Suspension
1Visibility
1Engine and engine cooling
1Exterior lighting
1Seats
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2002 BMW 330xi 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 · 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…
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…
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS.
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 330xi 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 330xi median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 BMW 330xi, and the recalls they led to.
- REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONNo recall
- Rear Lamp IlluminationLed to recall 11V-438
- REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONLed to recall 11V-438
In owners' words
What 330xi owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). 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…
TAKATO RECALL - I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2015 AND EVEN WITH REPEATED CALLS TO BMW DEALER, NO REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE. I REFRAIN FROM DRIVING THE CAR AND HAVE LESS THAN 400 MILES IN THE LAST YEAR, BUT STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR INSURANCE, INSPECTION, LICENSE. I HAVE BEEN POSTPONING REPAIRS, BUT I…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
Own a 2002 330xi?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.