Skip to main content

2001 BMW 330i

8 recalls Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #07E023000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Manufacturer
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
What Happened
The master cylinder is the main cylinder that helps control your brakes. In certain cases, the seal inside this cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk if Unfixed
If the seal fails, you could experience poor braking performance. This means your brakes might not work as well as they should, which could cause a crash.
Free Fix
Cardone will replace the faulty master cylinder with a new one, but in this case, they will repurchase the defective part at no charge to you. You should contact Cardone at 1-800-777-4780 to arrange for the repurchase.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #02V138000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
The fan in your vehicle is a critical part that helps keep your engine cool. It's controlled by an electronic system that can fail if the motor goes bad.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fan stops working, your engine could overheat, causing serious damage. In the worst case, there's a risk of a fire breaking out in the engine compartment.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty fan with a new one at no cost to you. Schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice and it should be done for free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #01V206000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
The engine cooling fan in your vehicle helps keep your engine from overheating. It's controlled electronically, but if the fan motor fails, the fan control unit's electrical circuitry could overload and stop working.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fan stops working, your engine could overheat, causing damage. There's also a risk of a fire in the fan control unit, which is located in the front of the engine compartment.
Free Fix
Your authorized BMW dealer will replace the fan for free. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible when you receive the notification letter, and if you don't get the repair done in a reasonable time, contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V401000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driver-side air bag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that helps protect you in the event of a crash. In some 2000-2001 BMW models, the inflator could be faulty and prone to explosion or underinflation.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into your body, causing serious injury or death. An underinflated air bag could also fail to protect you properly, putting you at risk of serious injury or death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty driver-side air bag inflator with a safer, redesigned version at no cost to you. This repair is crucial and should be done as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V018000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a crucial safety component that deploys in a crash to protect you and your passengers. In certain models, this inflator can fail catastrophically due to prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, putting you at risk of serious injury or death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or your passengers, causing severe injuries or even fatalities.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safer one at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V853000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driver's air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to cushion your head and chest. However, a faulty air bag inflator in certain 1999-2001 BMW models could fail to work properly or even rupture, causing sharp metal fragments to fly towards you or the people around you, possibly leading to serious injury or even death.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens in a crash, the air bag might not protect you as it should. If the inflator ruptures, it could send sharp pieces flying towards your head and chest, or if it underinflates, it won't cushion the impact as intended.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a safer one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result 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.
Original — Remedy
BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #14V428000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is designed to protect you in a front-end collision. In some older models, the airbag's inflator might burst due to excessive pressure, sending sharp metal fragments towards you or your passengers.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator ruptures, sharp metal fragments could hit you or your passengers, causing serious injury. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one, free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until you've made the repair; schedule an appointment as soon as possible and get it fixed.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #00V383000 Plain English
Component

WHEELS:RIM

Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
The inner rim of your vehicle's wheels might have been damaged during manufacturing, which could cause problems with your tire's air pressure.
Risk if Unfixed
If the damage is there, the air could suddenly leak out of your tire while driving, making it harder to control your vehicle and potentially affecting its handling.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect your wheels and replace them with new ones if needed, all at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

Other BMW 330i Years

Related Pages