Owners have filed 57 complaints
about the 2002 BMW 330I with NHTSA between 2002 and 2021.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the BMW 330I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 16
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
13.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
618.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
618.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
721.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
412.5%
150,000+ miles
721.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2002peak 5Jan 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 BMW 330I
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA09019Opened 18 Dec 2009Closed 28 Sep 2011EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear Lamp Illumination
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in th...
PE09036Opened 7 Aug 2009Closed 22 Dec 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING T...
DP09002Opened 8 Apr 2009Closed 6 Aug 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRI...
Recalls on the 2002 BMW 330I
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V018000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
14V428000
AIR BAGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
15V318000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
13V172000
AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
11V438000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.
Risk: INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
07E023000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
02V057000
SUSPENSION
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED. IF THE SUSPENSION IS FULLY UNLOADED, THE FRONT STRUT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER MOUNT.
Risk: THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOISES
NHTSA complaint #11389154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash
ENGINE
LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOISES
NHTSA complaint #11389154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOISES
NHTSA complaint #11389154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT A FAULT IN THE WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11030860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesOklahoma City, OK2 injured
AIR BAGS
POSSIBLE TAKATA INFLATORS - MY HUSBAND AND I WERE TRAVELING DOWN I-40 WESTBOUND IN MIDWEST CITY, OKLAHOMA AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG AND OVERHEAD AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT PROVOCATION. PLASTIC AND DEBRIS FLEW IN OUR FACES/BODIES, WHITE POWDER FILLED THE CAR, AND I SWERVED ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER CAR IN THE PROCESS BECAUSE MY EYES WERE WATERING AND I COULD NOT SEE VERY WELL, NOT TO MENTION WAS IN A DAZE BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BOTH SUSTAINED INJURIES AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE. I HAVE PICTURES, BUT THEY WILL NOT UPLOAD TO THIS SITE FOR SOME REASON. THEY ARE JPG.
NHTSA complaint #10819463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,800 milesHyde Park, NYCrash
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A NORMAL SPEED 35-40 M/ HOUR , THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CAR CRASHED INTO THE TELEPHONE POLL. I GOT MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BODY ( THE WHOLE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD GOT REALLY SMASHED IN) I ALSO DAMAGED THE ARM CONTROL AND THE ALIGNMENTS OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10724393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOISES
NHTSA complaint #11389154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash
ENGINE
LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOISES
NHTSA complaint #11389154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
LOSS OF POWER THE BATTERY DIES QUICK AND ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND THE CAR HAS LOST ACCELERATION AIR BAG NEEDS REPLACED AND THE CAR MAKES NOISES
NHTSA complaint #11389154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Mount, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY GM5 MODULE WHICH CONTROLS LOCKING/ UNLOCKING DOORS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS. GOT STRANDED TODAY BECAUSE I COULD NOT UNLOCK MY CAR. THE KEY FOB WOULDN'T UNLOCK IT AND EVEN USING THE KEY IN THE DOOR DIDNT WORK. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11320075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesGlendale, AZ
SEATS
THE CAR'S WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN OR CLOSE ALL 4 OF THEM ARE NOT WORKING ALSO THIS POWERING STEERING IS HARD AND THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #11277692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesGlendale, AZ
STEERING
THE CAR'S WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN OR CLOSE ALL 4 OF THEM ARE NOT WORKING ALSO THIS POWERING STEERING IS HARD AND THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #11277692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesGlendale, AZ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR'S WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN OR CLOSE ALL 4 OF THEM ARE NOT WORKING ALSO THIS POWERING STEERING IS HARD AND THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #11277692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT A FAULT IN THE WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11030860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesNashville, TN
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" DEALER HAS FAILED TO REPLACE AIRBAG.
NHTSA complaint #10934976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LIGHT PANEL AND PLUG FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10926962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly Hills, MI
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WAS TO BE REPLACED UNDER THE TAKATA RECALL IN JUNE 2015. I HAVE MADE OVER A DOZEN REQUESTS WITH MY LOCAL BMW DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED BUT EACH TIME I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE NO AIRBAGS AVAILABLE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I DRIVE MY CAR EVERY DAY WITH WHAT IS A KNOWN DEFECTIVE (AND POSSIBLY DEADLY) SAFETY DEVICE AND WHILE I KNOW THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS ARE BEING PRODUCED I AM NOT ABLE TO HAVE ONE ALLOCATED FOR MY VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SITUATION!
NHTSA complaint #10919773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE CALLED ALL THE BMW CENTERS IN MY LOCAL AREA AND NONE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG. THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHEN AND ACT AS IF IT IS NOT A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10899482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS AND THEY DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10899332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KS
AIR BAGS
IT'S BEEN 15 MONTHS SINCE BEING NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE PART IS AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. I'M CONCERNED BECAUSE MY CAR IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE RECALL DATE RANGE AND IT IS THE DRIVER AIR BAG, WHICH IS THE ONE POSITION ALWAYS OCCUPIED IN THE VEHICLE AND BY ME. THERE IS ALREADY 140,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT'S MY DAILY DRIVER SO I BELIEVE IT IS AT RISK. HUMIDITY IS HIGH IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA WHERE THIS CAR HAS BEEN FOR IT'S LIFE. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG IN THE CAR HAS NOT EVEN BEEN DISCONNECTED TO PREVENT IT FROM GOING OFF GIVEN I ALWAYS WEAR A SEAT BELT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A REPAIR CAN BE MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10898524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10896662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntersville, NC
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. MY 14 YEAR-OLD BMW'S DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG HAS STILL NOT BEEN REPLACED (RECALLED 05/27/2015)
NHTSA complaint #10892134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Claymont, DE
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10885775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,722 milesRocky Mount, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,722.
NHTSA complaint #10870360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesParadise, CA
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT MY BMW 330I E46 2002 5 YEARS AGO AND NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AFTER THE FIRST DRIVE. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THE CODE THAT THREW THE LIGHT ON WAS (P0741). I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND HAVE DETERMINED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS. THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN HORRIBLE GAS MILAGE, HARD SHIFTING AT TIMES AND MOST LIKELY SHORTENED TRANSMISSION LIFE. THIS PROBLEM AS HAS CAUSE MY CAR TO NOT BE ABLE TO PASS SMOG!
NHTSA complaint #10854219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Barrington, IL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10854121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesOklahoma City, OK2 injured
AIR BAGS
POSSIBLE TAKATA INFLATORS - MY HUSBAND AND I WERE TRAVELING DOWN I-40 WESTBOUND IN MIDWEST CITY, OKLAHOMA AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG AND OVERHEAD AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT PROVOCATION. PLASTIC AND DEBRIS FLEW IN OUR FACES/BODIES, WHITE POWDER FILLED THE CAR, AND I SWERVED ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER CAR IN THE PROCESS BECAUSE MY EYES WERE WATERING AND I COULD NOT SEE VERY WELL, NOT TO MENTION WAS IN A DAZE BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BOTH SUSTAINED INJURIES AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE. I HAVE PICTURES, BUT THEY WILL NOT UPLOAD TO THIS SITE FOR SOME REASON. THEY ARE JPG.
NHTSA complaint #10819463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,800 milesHyde Park, NYCrash
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A NORMAL SPEED 35-40 M/ HOUR , THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CAR CRASHED INTO THE TELEPHONE POLL. I GOT MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BODY ( THE WHOLE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD GOT REALLY SMASHED IN) I ALSO DAMAGED THE ARM CONTROL AND THE ALIGNMENTS OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10724393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesSouth SAN Francisco, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
UNDER RECALL 11V438000 , BMW FOUND THE DEFECTIVE REAR LIGHTS. THEIR REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE A SINGLE GROUND WIRE WITH A LARGER GAUGE WIRE. THIS IS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE AND NOT A CORRECTIVE MEASURE. THE ULTIMATE CAUSATION OF THE LIGHT ISSUE IS THE TRUNK DOOR PINCHING THE HARNESS LEADING TO THE LIGHT, WHICH CAUSE THE WIRES INSIDE THE HARNESS TO BREAK. THIS WAS VERIFIED BY THE MECHANIC WHOM SAID WAS NOT COVERED BY THIS CAMPAIGN. HE SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAD TO ULTIMATELY PAY OUT OF POCKET AND FIX THIS MYSELF.
NHTSA complaint #10681615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (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. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ UPDATED 06/9/2015
NHTSA complaint #10664372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR CAR AND FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS IN THE LETTER. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT. TOLD US TO BRING THE CAR IN AT 9:30 AM LAST SATURDAY. WHEN WE GOT THERE, THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED US THAT A POLICY CHANGE OCCURRED THE NIGHT BEFORE AND INSTEAD, THEY WANTED US TO LEAVE THE CAR AFTER THE INSPECTION SO THEY COULD ORDER THE VIN SPECIFIC PART WHICH WOULD MEAN LEAVING OUR CAR DISMANTLED AT THE DEALER FOR A "FEW DAYS". WE DIDN'T HAVE ANOTHER CAR AVAILABLE. I ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE; THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP. I TOLD THEM WE NEEDED OUR CAR AND COULD NOT BE WITHOUT FOR THE FEW DAYS THEY REQUIRED. I CALLED CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS FROM THE PARKING LOT AND SHE CALLED BACK TO THE DEALER AND CONFIRMED THAT THE POLICY HAD BEEN CHANGED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY DIDN'T WANT TO INSPECT THE CAR AND REASSEMBLE IT SO WE COULD USE IT WHILE THEY WAITED FOR THE PART. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR SINCE SHRAPNEL WAS IN THE AIRBAGS AND HE TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY, NO ONE HAD EVER BEEN INJURED. I AM PRETTY ANGRY ABOUT THE ENTIRE MATTER. BMW'S COMPLIANCE WITH THIS RECALL IS A FARCE.
NHTSA complaint #10535639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.