Skip to main content

2003 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, responsible for sending brake fluid to your wheels. You might have a faulty master cylinder from Cardone, which could leak brake fluid.
Risk if Unfixed
If the master cylinder leaks brake fluid, your brakes might not work properly. This could lead to a crash, especially in emergency stops or on slippery roads.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty master cylinder for free, and you should contact Cardone at 1-800-777-4780 as soon as you get the recall notice. They'll also repurchase the defective part.
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 a safety device that explodes to cushion you in case of a crash. In some older BMW models, the airbag inflator could fail and send sharp metal pieces flying, putting you at risk of serious injury or death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could hurt you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get 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 side air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you and your passengers. In certain models, this air bag could fail to work properly and rupture, causing metal shards to fly around the cabin.
Risk if Unfixed
If the passenger air bag ruptures, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you and your passengers, potentially causing serious injury in a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty passenger air bag with a new one, at no cost to you. To ensure your safety, don't drive your vehicle until you've scheduled the repair. The dealership will take care of it for free.
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 in your driver's seat is a safety device that inflates in a crash to cushion your head and neck. In some older BMW models, the airbag's inflator can be damaged by moisture, which could cause it to burst apart.
Risk if Unfixed
If your driver's airbag inflates in a crash, it could rupture and send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag module with a new one free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until the repair is done, and make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as you get the recall notice.
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 passenger side air bag in your vehicle is meant to protect you or your passengers in the event of a front crash. However, in some 2002-2003 BMW models, the air bag's internal pressure could become too high, causing it to burst and send sharp metal fragments flying.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag bursts during a front crash, metal shards could hit and seriously injure you or someone else in the passenger seat.
Free Fix
Don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired. As soon as replacement parts are available, your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag for free. You'll get a notification to schedule the repair, and you can also contact BMW directly at 1-800-525-7417 or email them at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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 →
Moderate #11V438000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
What Happened
Your car's taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all controlled by an electrical system inside the rear body panel of your vehicle. Over time, the connections in this system can wear out and cause some lights to stop working.
Risk if Unfixed
If the connection fails, your taillights, brake lights, or turn signals could stop working at random, making it harder for other drivers to see your intentions on the road. This could lead to a vehicle crash without warning.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect and repair the electrical connections in your rear body panel for free. 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 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 →
Moderate #03V160000 Plain English
Component

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
The anti-pinching device in your vehicle's power windows is a safety feature that prevents windows from closing on your fingers. However, in certain vehicles, this device might not work as intended.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you or your passengers could be accidentally pinched by a closing window. This is a serious safety risk and could cause injury.
Free Fix
Your authorized BMW dealer will inspect the device and replace it if necessary – at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice, and if you have any issues, contact BMW directly at 1-800-831-1117.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. 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 →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
4 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall
VISIBILITY
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
2002
7 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
3 recalls

Related Pages

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Recalls 2003 Audi A4 Recalls 2002 BMW 330i Recalls 2004 BMW 330i Recalls All BMW Recalls BMW 330i Recall History