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2002 BMW 330i

7 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 a crucial part of your vehicle's brake system. It's responsible for creating the pressure needed to make your brakes work. In some cases, the seal on your master cylinder can break down and leak brake fluid.
Risk if Unfixed
If the master cylinder leaks brake fluid, your brakes won't work properly, making it harder to stop your vehicle. This could lead to a serious accident, especially on the highway or in heavy traffic.
Free Fix
Cardone will contact you to replace the faulty master cylinder with a new one, free of charge. You can reach them at 1-800-777-4780 to schedule the repair.
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 →
High Priority #20V018000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag in your passenger seat is designed to deploy in a crash to protect you. In some older BMW models, the airbag's inflator could malfunction and explode, releasing sharp metal fragments that could cause serious injury or death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal shards hurtling towards you or other passengers, leading to severe injury or even death. This is a life-threatening situation.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator at no cost to you, ensuring your safety on the road. 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 #14V428000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger air bag in your vehicle is designed to protect you in the event of a collision. However, in certain models, it could produce excessive pressure that could cause the air bag to rupture and send sharp metal fragments hurtling towards you or your passengers.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens in a crash, the metal fragments could seriously injure you or a passenger in the front seat. This is a life-threatening situation, and you should address it immediately.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty passenger air bag with a safer one, at no cost to you. Please do not drive your vehicle until the repair is done. You'll be notified when the repair is ready, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
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 #15V318000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag control module in your vehicle is the part that controls the airbag. In some 2002-2006 BMW models with a certain steering wheel, this module can be damaged by moisture and fail, causing a serious problem.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in a crash and the airbag deploys, the module could break apart, sending sharp metal shards into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag control module at no cost to you. BMW will contact you to schedule the repair, so please wait for their notification before taking your vehicle in.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #13V172000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The air bag in the passenger side of your vehicle is designed to inflate in a crash to protect you. But in some 2002-2003 BMW models, this air bag could overinflate and burst, sending sharp metal fragments flying.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens in a crash, the fragments could seriously injure the passenger or other people in the vehicle. This is a serious risk that could cause serious harm.
Free Fix
Don't drive your vehicle until it's fixed. When replacement parts arrive in July, your BMW dealer will swap out the faulty air bag for a safe one at no cost to you. You'll get an initial notice in June, and a second notice when the repair is ready.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #02V057000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION

Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
Your vehicle's struts are like the shock absorbers that help your car handle bumps on the road. During the manufacturing process, they might not have been properly attached, which could cause them to break loose while driving.
Risk if Unfixed
If the strut separates, you might experience reduced control over your vehicle, especially when driving on uneven roads. This could increase the risk of a crash, especially if you're driving at high speeds or in emergency situations.
Free Fix
Your authorized BMW dealer will replace both front spring strut upper mounts for free. You should schedule an appointment with your dealer as soon as possible to get your vehicle repaired at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRING STRUT UPPER MOUNTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2002. 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 →
Moderate #11V438000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
What Happened
The tail lights on your vehicle are controlled by a series of electrical contacts in the body panel. Over time, these contacts can wear out, causing one or more lights to stop working.
Risk if Unfixed
If the tail light, brake light, or turn signal stops working, you won't be able to warn other drivers of your intentions, which could lead to a vehicle crash without warning.
Free Fix
Your local BMW dealer will inspect and repair the electrical contacts, free of charge, to ensure your tail lights and other rear lamp functions work properly. They'll contact you when it's time to schedule the repair, and you shouldn't wait to get it done.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Original — Remedy
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
4 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
SUSPENSION
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall

Other BMW 330i Years

2025
1 recall
2024
2 recalls
2023
2 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2021
7 recalls
2020
11 recalls
2019
9 recalls
2018
1 recall
2011
3 recalls
2010
3 recalls
2009
3 recalls
2008
3 recalls
2007
3 recalls
2006
7 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
5 recalls
2003
7 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
3 recalls

Related Pages

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Recalls 2002 Audi A4 Recalls 2001 BMW 330i Recalls 2003 BMW 330i Recalls All BMW Recalls BMW 330i Recall History