Does the 2003 BMW 330CI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 BMW 330CI, the most recent reported on January 15, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 330CI?

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (9 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).

How many 2003 BMW 330CI complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 18 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 BMW 330CI recalls and problems

3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 BMW 330CI.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 BMW 330CI recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V018000 · reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 292,948 vehicles potentially affected

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

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 15V318000 · reported May 28, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 419,235 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 13V172000 · reported May 2, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 43,204 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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].

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags9
Electrical system3
Structure2
Engine1
Exterior lighting1
Power train1
Tires1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 18, 2020 · Engine
THE COOLING FANS EXPLODED AFTER I STARTED MY CAR UP FOLLOWING COOLANT FLUID LEAKING OUT THE BOTTOM OF A HOSE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS SHOWING THE CAR OVER HEATING IN THE END RESULT.

Jul 21, 2020 · Electrical system
IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 8 YEARS ALL POWER RELATED TO OPENING/CLOSING THE PASSENGER DOOR INCLUDING THE HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE GAS DOOR, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITHOUT HAVING TO USE THE KEY. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS NOT WORKING. WORST OF ALL I'M NOT ABLE TO HAVE A…

Dec 8, 2019 · Air bags · 120,000 miles
WENT THROUGH A POT HOLE IN THE FREEWAY AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED..AIR BAG ONLY SHOW HALF FILL..MY SPEED ABOUT 60 MPH..IS THIS HOW IT WORKS. NO DAMAGED EXCEPT NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

May 14, 2019 · Structure · 118,006 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY AND THE ROLLOVER PROTECTION SYSTEM ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ROLLOVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SAFETY LEVER TO RELEASE THE…

Sep 20, 2017 · Air bags · 146,000 miles · crash reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A STROKE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THAT METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE MOUTH AND LOST A TOOTH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS…

330CI model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	3	1	0	0
2001	5	82	6	3
2002	3	46	3	4
2003	3	18	1	0
2004	2	77	6	1
2005	2	33	0	1
2006	2	34	1	0

Across all years, the 2001 330CI has the most complaints (82). All BMW 330CI years →

Questions

Does the 2003 BMW 330CI have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 BMW 330CI, the most recent reported on January 15, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 330CI?: Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (9 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).
How many 2003 BMW 330CI complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 18 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 18, 2020.