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 330xiProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2004 BMW 330xi, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 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 5, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 BMW 330xi has problems
13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
3Exterior lighting
1Electrical system
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2004 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
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
2004 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
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 BMW 330xi, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-668
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 13V-172
In owners' words
What 330xi owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
i was driving about 35mph and hit a pot hole in the road. that caused my passenger front, passenger side door, and passenger aide door top to deploy.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER…
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR NEARLY ONE YEAR FOR THE RECALLED DRIVER'S AIRBAG TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE NEWS HAS REPORTED THAT 70% OF OTHER MANUFACTURER'S VEHICLES WITH THE SAME RECALL HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. HOW MUCH LONGER AM I REQUIRED TO WAIT?
Own a 2004 330xi?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.