NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 BMW 330CI Recalls & Complaints

The 2002 BMW 330CI has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 46 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 BMW 330CI. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2002 BMW 330CI owner complaints

Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 BMW 330CI, describing incidents dated November 5, 2006 to December 28, 2023.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 27 complaints
Electrical System 5 complaints
Exterior Lighting 4 complaints
Engine 3 complaints
Power Train 3 complaints
Seats 3 complaints

Of the 46 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 46 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11575204 · Filed March 3, 2024
My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and…
ODI #11467183 · Filed June 2, 2022
Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.
ODI #11142404 · Filed October 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BROWN WIRE CONNECTED TO THE TAIL LIGHT HAD MELTED. THE DEALER (BMW OF FAIRFAX, 8427 LEE HWY, FAIRFAX, VA 22031) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA…

Read all 46 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 BMW 330CI in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP09-002: REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
Closed August 6, 2009

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V018000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 292,948 vehicles

Repair completion: 42.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 13, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #15V318000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 28, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 419,235 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified August 19, 2016 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Safety consequence

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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

NHTSA #13V172000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported May 2, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 43,204 vehicles

Owners notified August 9, 2013 · Vehicles built February 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Safety consequence

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 seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

MASTER CYLINDER LEAK

NHTSA #07E023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 29, 2007 · CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Potentially affected: 13,128 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Safety consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2002 BMW 330CI. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

46 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 BMW 330CI.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Seats

ODI #11575204

Fire

Incident: December 28, 2023 · Filed: March 3, 2024

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled with thick gray smoke which also came out of the trunk when they opened it. , the air bag was activated on the driver's side - the windshield was broken and the interior was a melted mess. The dashboard was melted on the driver’s side and the window was blackened. .the drivers side was where the damage had been from the accident. I do not think it coincidence. It seems i am not the only person whose bmw has spontaneously caught on fire. I did get bmw involved as far as sending documentation and talking to a rep. They of course were blameless. They did say they believe it was caused by an error made during a repair that allowed the rain water to get into the wiring. It had been raining hard for a couple days. But they could not say based on what i sent them if it was the body shop that did the most recent repair that made the error or it was done prior to that by another shop. But that they would not be investigating further. My much loved bmw been totaled and i will never what caused it.

Air Bags

ODI #11467183

Crash

Incident: April 26, 2022 · Filed: June 2, 2022

Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11142404

Fire

Incident: October 18, 2018 · Filed: October 24, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BROWN WIRE CONNECTED TO THE TAIL LIGHT HAD MELTED. THE DEALER (BMW OF FAIRFAX, 8427 LEE HWY, FAIRFAX, VA 22031) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 242,266.

Air Bags

ODI #11020443

Incident: August 24, 2017 · Filed: August 29, 2017

TAKATA RECALL. BMW OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA REPLACED ONLY ONE OF TWO BAGS RECALLED, EVEN THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT AND WORK ORDER SAID TO REPLACE BOTH AIR BAGS. THEY THEN SAID THE JOB HAS BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. WERE IT NOT FOR MY SUBSEQUENT CAREFUL REVIEW OF THE INVOICE AND FOLLOW UP QUESTIONING WITH THE DEALER, I NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN I STILL HAD A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. I SENT DETAILED EMAIL QUESTIONS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE.

Air Bags

ODI #10906303

Incident: July 15, 2015 · Filed: September 14, 2016

TAKATA RECALL. IT HAS BEEN 14 MONTHS SINCE THE INITIAL NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. NO COMMUNICATION FROM BMW. ONLY RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS IS IT IS PENDING SOON. IS THERE JUSTIFICATION FOR LENGTH OF TIME TO RESOLVE REPAIR TO A "DANGEROUS PROBLEM"?

Air Bags

ODI #10899820

Incident: May 21, 2015 · Filed: August 31, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags

ODI #10898270

Incident: May 28, 2016 · Filed: August 24, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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 CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags

ODI #10895066

Incident: August 11, 2016 · Filed: August 11, 2016

RECEIVED INITIAL CONTACT FROM BMW IN SEPTEMBER 2014. "REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". CAMPAIGN 14V 428 AND 15V 318. WHEN WILL THESE RECALLS BE RESOLVED?

Air Bags

ODI #10894349

Incident: July 1, 2015 · Filed: August 9, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags

ODI #10885965

Incident: July 1, 2014 · Filed: July 19, 2016

IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE MY CARS AS FIRST PLACED ON RECALL DUE TO FAULTY AIRBAGS, FIRST FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SINCE LAST JULY THE DRIVER SIDE. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT BASED ON THIS BEING AN UNREASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. I LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE TAKATA AIR BAGS ARE MORE APT TO BE DANGEROUS IN THIS WARM AND HUMID CLIMATE.

Other BMW 330CI model years

Check your 2002 BMW 330CI VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 330CI at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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