2001 BMW 330XI recalls and problems

5 recalls and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 330XI.

5
recalls
11
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
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.

2001 BMW 330XI recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 21V401000 · reported May 27, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC · 4,511 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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

NHTSA campaign 14V428000 · reported June 11, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC · 574,007 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 02V138000 · reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 1,550 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 01V206000 · reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 76,469 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Aug 14, 2015 · Exterior lighting · 187,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330 XI. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR LIGHT WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TAIL LAMP CONNECTOR WAS MELTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CONNECTOR NUMBER THREE MELTED ON BOTH ENDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

Feb 5, 2015 · Air bags

WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER 6MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED. THE DEALER HAS A WAITING LIST OF OVER 300 CARS, AND HAS NOT EVEN STARTED DOING THE WORK REQUIRED FOR THIS RECALL. I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DEALER AS BMW USA HAS NOT STARTED SHIPPING THE PARTS. WHAT IS BEING DONE TO GET THIS ISSUE…

Jan 29, 2014 · Engine · 135,000 miles · fire reported

CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ALL DAY UNTIL EVENING WHEN I DROVE CAR 4-5 MILES TO ONE RESIDENCE, CONTINUED WITH PASSENGER FOR ANOTHER FEW MILES TO ANOTHER RESIDENCE, PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. REMAINED IN CAR BRIEFLY WHILE FINISHING A CONVERSATION WHEN NOTICED GRAY/WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE OF…

Dec 2, 2013 · Exterior lighting · 162,000 miles

THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAVE PARTIALLY FAILED. ONE SET OF BRAKE LIGHT BULBS, THE DUAL FILAMENT BULBS NO LONGER LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ARE IN WORKING ORDER SO IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE WIRING OR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

Aug 27, 2012 · Air bags · 88,000 miles · crash reported

VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THE OTHER DRIVER CENTERED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BUT DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER'S DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. WE COULD SEE HIT HANGING FROM THE REAR PILLAR TO THE FRONT PILLAR BUT IT…

330XI model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2000
2001 51111
2002 52003
2003 53302
2004 41310

Across all years, the 2006 330XI has the most complaints (104). All BMW 330XI years →

Questions

Does the 2001 BMW 330XI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 BMW 330XI, the most recent reported on May 27, 2021 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 330XI?
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (2 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (2).
How many 2001 BMW 330XI complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 11 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 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 14, 2015.