2017 BMW 330i

Routine

Owners filed 42 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the BMW 330i years to avoid. Which BMW 330i years to avoid →

Most common 2017 BMW 330i problems

21 of the 42 complaints (50%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine18
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Electrical System4
000
Seat Belts3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine3
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Service Brakes · brakes1
000
Power Train · transmission1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Oct 20, 2026MD

The seat belt sensor will continuous goes off even though the seat belts are engaged/fastened. I have reported this issue to the dealership multiple times with no resolution.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 7, 2026CA

The defect has left the driver stranded several times and required multiple tows due to the vehicle becoming unsafe and inoperable. On one occasion, the vehicle broke down after a 2.5-hour drive away from home and had to be towed because the overheating and coolant leak issue made it unsafe to continue driving. The vehicle is operated in a region where summer temperatures frequently exceed 115°F, which significantly increases the safety risk associated with repeated overheating and roadside disablement. The issue remains unresolved and continues to pose an ongoing safety risk due to sudden overheating and loss of reliable vehicle operation. There are multiple dates started mid 2023 through today 4-6-2026 , still overheating after failed attempts

Engine
Filed Nov 21, 2025MI

The cooling system is continually failing prematurely. Parts that should be lifetime are needing to be repaired below 100K miles. I have had to repair the following cooling system related items that should be under recall and are not Oil filter housing Thermostat housing Turbo coolant lines Water neck the cost of repairs is significant and BMW is denying responsibility for the premature failures.

Engine
Filed Sep 30, 2025NC

The Oil Filter Housing (OFH), the Coolant/Water Pump, and other plastic lines for the cooling systems are well known to fail with this engine early in their lifetime. My service advisor at BMW said, "these are very common issues for a B46 engine.". The Motor Mounts also are extremely prone to failure due to the use of the Auto Start/Stop feature. This has also been noted by my service advisor at BMW. They commented, "these cars come in often before ever hitting 20k miles and needing replacement. I recommend never using the Auto Start/Stop feature ever again.'

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 4, 2025FL

The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side taillight cover loosened and detached but was able to be put back in place. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V074000 (Exterior Lighting); which the contact linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred to the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed May 22, 2025OH

My BMW has had multiple repairs (3 incidents - 2 times repaired by BMW and 1 time repaired by a national mechanic garage) to the coolant system since I purchased it in 2018. BMW have verified the leaking coolant as well as the independent garage. Currently, the coolant system has another on going issue where it is still leaking and it's still unable to be fixed. This coolant issue has had catastrophic failures at times and more recently it has thrown a major engine overheating warning that has impacted the safety of my wife, kids and I as well as other individuals on the road as I have had to pull over quickly and turn the car off to allow the engine to cool down. I've had to drive the car at a reduce speed and acceleration which has frustrated many drivers causing them to over take me dangerously. Additionally, I've burnt my hand from opening the coolant expansion tank to add coolant on multiple occasions.

Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2025CA

I noticed coolant leaking from under the vehicle. The message to add coolant was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine was inspected, and was notified of stains of coolant coming from the head gasket. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. I believe this is failure is related to NHTSA Campaign Number: Recall 18V755000, October ,24 2018, My car has only 73000 Miles

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 15, 202573,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed coolant leaking from under the vehicle. The message to add coolant was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine was inspected, and the contact became aware of stains of coolant coming from the head gasket. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated there was a software update performed on the rearview camera. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 2, 2025FL

The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of coolant. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was empty after being refilled the previous morning. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, and the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed Mar 10, 2025CO

Oil filter housing and or oil cooler failed. Leaking internally and externally. May cause fluid to leak on to hot engine and cause potential fire or short circuit wiring.

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2025TN

UNKNOWN, it has problems with stalling and starting up could be issues with the internal drive system that I’ve seen other types of similar models of bmw having these recall issues as well. When starting up after fueling up it over exerts the engine trying to start up. You kind of have to rev it to start it up. And driving it after that it has trouble keeping a solid drive.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 13, 2025MI

2 low coolant warnings within 4 months ended up being an oil filter housing failure, leading to oil and coolant mixing and leaking. This failure could have lead to catastrophic engine damage. An ASE certified shop is doing the repair for around $2,950.

Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2024CA

The vehicle had a recall on the engine coolant valve line which was taken care of by BMW dealership on November 1, 2024. In less than a month later, an issue has been noted of coolant leak which caused the engine to overheat causing a safety issue on the road while driving my kids to school. The service manager advised that the issue is not part of the open recall that was already done on November 1st. How can a recall for the same concern of coolant leak and engine over heat cover only one hose where the issue could be related to another hose connection?

Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2024CO

This is my second BMW 3 series. Both of my BMW 3 series have flaws in cooling system. Within 7-year of purchase, it has more than 7 leaking issues. In 2019, it has water pump issue In 2020 it has evaporative emissions vent purge valve issue In 2022, it has cooling system hoses leaks In 2023, it has cylinder head leak In 2024, it has coolant leaks, oil filter leaks, and front struts leaks. All these are related to a failed cooling system and overheating engine.

Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2024CT

In November of 2023 I was driving my vehicle on the highway when my vehicle's control panel notified me the engine was over heating and I needed to stop driving the vehicle immediately. All the engine coolant had leaked from my vehicle. I had to pull over on the highway and have my vehicle towed. My mechanic identified the problem as the coolant vent line and made the repair. Total cost was $2,052.16 including the tow. A few months later a message from BMW came up on my vehicle's computer display saying there was an "Important recall or campaign", a service action for the exact repair I paid $2,052.16. They now refuse to reimburse me because it is not labeled a "recall". This issue is widespread and needs to be labeled a recall for consumers. A known defect since 2022 that I was never notified prior to the incident and now they refuse to reimburse me for a know defect in their product. I believe this violates my rights under federal consumer protection laws. Please help the consumers and force BMW to label this safety issue a recall and stop hiding behind their euphemisms

Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2024NY

There is a well known issue with the clip on BMW 3 series (mine is a 2017 330i) that holds the parking brake cable assembly to the body if the car above the drive shaft towards the rear of the car. The plastic clips fail frequently, causing the parking brake cable assembly to fall and the brake lines rub against the driveshaft creating a metal-to-metal noise. Over time the friction between the drive shaft and parking brake cable will eventually create failure of the cable in my opinion. I have this issue and I have seen several online videos of others who have the same issue.

Air Bags
Filed May 6, 2024GA

Passenger restraint system malfunction just came out of the blue. In the morning it was fine, in the afternoon when I went out to my car it threw this error. Other cars in the 5 and X series with the sport seats I have were also recalled for this same issue, but there is no recall for my car. Please help!

Engine
Filed Apr 8, 2024MI

Persistent Low coolant warning issue, Coolant leak was discovered to be coming from Oil filter housing. This is a $3000 repair on something that should last at least as long as the engine. If there are others with this problem, Then maybe a recall is due. Dealer is repairing now at my expense.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 11, 2024VA

In October of 2023. I notice low coolant notification came on screen. checked coolant saw it was low. Added Coolants. 3 days later same notification. Took vehicle to Shop who stated the coolant cap seal was broken, so I had them replace the coolant cap. 3 days later the same Low coolant light came back. Every few days I had to put coolant in my vehicle. I went through 2 bottles of coolant. Over the Christmas holiday Dec/2023. I dropped my vehicle off at a shop. The oil filter housing and cooler gaskets was bad. BMW replaced this piece from a metal part with a plastic piece. This is my only vehicle and I had to pay for this expensive repair so I could get back and forth to work. Prior to me having the repair done, when I was trying to figure out the problem. I noticed a lot of online information of the same issues for 2017 BMW 330I. THe shop . did the repair told me he had done about 10 of these repairs for the same Year/Make and Model.,the past few months. I had to pay $2,637.20 for this repair. There is clearly a notable problem with coolant leaks. I make sure I have vehicle serviced when the notifications come on the screen and have documentation to show this. Please look into this issues.

Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2024CA

BMW B48 engine. Coolant started leaking and the engine overheated. Unbeknownst to me caus the bottom of the car is covered. I had a mechanic look at it. Found the leak coming from the "oil filter housing unit". When he removed it it was broken at one of the 6 ports inside with the pieces missing presumably fell into the interior of the engine. BMW manufactured these units out of a composite material and not aluminum I assume to save costs and weight. This composite material has failed in many of their engines including the mini cooper. When I looked on line googling it I was shocked at how wide spread it was. It's a costly repair about 2000-2500 for parts and labor. This composite material is also used in their failing water pumps all the failing coolant hose connectors and more I believe.

Engine
Filed Feb 1, 2024TX

The plastic oil filter housing assembly developed a crack as we all should know heat and plastic do not do well with each other. Cause my coolant at first to slowly leaked and never gave me a warning of low coolant. Driving 60+ mph then all of a sudden cars goes into limp mode so the person behind me lucky swerved to the left to avoid hitting me. So filled up coolant and same thing happens again about a week later. No visible leaks no dashboard warning of low coolant levels. So I fill up and go. Mind you my engine is already overheating when it tells me on dashboard while going into limp mode at the same time so continuously overheating engine seems to cause more problems water pumps starts leaking and pipes start developing holes. Safety comes into play while driving down a highway when car goes into limp mode causing the driving that’s not paying attention ram into you. Quite a few safety concerns. Never had a chance or opportunity to pull over to self diagnose, car goes into limp mode with no warning. There are several thousands of this reporting the same with oil filter housing assembly. As I am writing this my mechanic is in the process of taking the part off and replacing it with a metal one. This first happened around thanksgiving 2023 and progressively got worse with each week

Engine
Filed Dec 27, 2023PA

Coolant Leak from oil filter housing caused a major repair. The Car has about 109,000 miles. Parked it after work on a Thursday went to drive it to a family dinner Friday, i turned the car on and immediately get a low coolant light. I drove 2 miles down the road, Suddenly the coolant started pouring out and the coolant light comes on again, i return home and have to take my girlfriends car. On the invoice it states, “entire oil filter housing part was replaced”, the plastic used to seal in the coolant had either been destroyed or broken off, not a gasket but a piece from the oil filter housing part. The dealer charged $4500 for the repairs, which they said were “optional” but the engine couldn’t hold coolant. This item is not on the recommended service list, as it’s not an item listed for “wear and tear” However the B48/58 engines are so new that finding enough over 100K miles is not easy to replicate the issue, although message boards have recently discovered this issue occurring with more regularity. Please investigate and help consumers who potentially could be left stranded by this defect.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2023CA

Coolant Leak caused a major repair. The Car has about 90,000 miles. Suddenly the coolant started pouring out. As you see in the attached invoice, entire heat exchanger, water pump, and other several parts were to be replaced. The dealer first estimated the repairs at $5,400 and they agreed to do it at warranty price rates. However, we believe other BMW models have had similar recalls for Coolant leak and suspect same on this model too. Please investigate and help consumers who are ending up paying exorbitant amounts to service shops. BMW may be hiding this problem from NTSB to avoid recalls by agreeing to repair at vehicle warranty rates.

Engine
Filed Dec 25, 2022AL

Out of nowhere with only 1 day warning car requested coolant refill. After refill within 10 minutes car engine ran hot and completely stopped on the expressway. I’ve read hundreds of reviews online and youtube where this exact same thing has happened to others with this same car.

Engine
Filed Dec 13, 202255,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown rubber hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the coolant light was illuminated. The contact stated that the oil housing base was replaced; however, a week later, the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed, and the cylinder and head gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 19, 2022UT

During normal street and highway driving operation, the whole console and digital warning systems shutdown causing safety issues while driving.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 4, 2022CA

I received a warning on the dashboard that the tires needed inflating and that I should not drive the car over 80 miles per hour. When this happened the communication system on the car failed. I could not use the telephone or the direction feature. I do not know if other parts of the car also failed. When the tires were re inflated, these other features returned. This has happened twice. (In addition the tires needed reinflating on one or two other times.) BMW offers a courtesy service to reinflate the tires so that they don't maintain a record of the problem and they are unable to add a note to their service record to document the problem. (BMW San Francisco).

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 1, 2022MA

IN MARCH 2022 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A MECHANICAL SHOP CLOSE BY. I WAS INFORMED THAT QUICK RELEASE COUPLING OF THE VENTILATION LINE O FTHE CYLINDER HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED. BMW PART # 17129845173. AS A RESULT OF THIS MALFUNCTION ALL OF THE COOLANT DRAINED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE OVERHEATING. IN AUGUST OF 2022 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW USA THAT STATED "DURING A RECENT QUALITY ANALYSIS IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE QUICK RELEASE COUPLING OF THE VENTILATION LINE O FTHE CYLINDER HEAD COULD BREAK RESULTING IN COOLANT LOSS. THE LETTER SAID U SHOLD BRING IT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED IT WITH BMW PART # 17129845173 (SAME EXACT PART NUMBER). I ASKED IF I COULD BE REIMBURSED SINCE THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. THE SALES ASSOCIATE SAID I HAVE TO GO THOROUGH BMW AMERICA WHO SAID, YES THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PART AND THE CURRENT PROBLEM IS WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN MARCH BUT THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE ALMOST 800.00 I PAID TO GET IT FIXED BEFORE I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER. THE BMW REPRESENTATIVE THEN PROCEED TO TELL ME " ma’am, let me remind you that you drive a luxury vehicle so next time you have a problem I would suggest pulling over on the side of the road and towing it to a dealer”. I Informed this representative that I was thinking of my safety. I am a single female, in the dark, with my car smoking on the high

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 26, 202255,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light and "Stop Immediately" message was displayed. The contact pulled off the highway and noticed white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact safely placed the vehicle in park(P), turned the vehicle off, exited the vehicle, and lifted the hood. The contact stated that a large amount of white smoke was coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the expansion tank hose had ruptured. The expansion tank hose was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received a technical service repair notice from the manufacturer after the failure had occurred which had detailed information about the failure of the expansion tank hose and to set an appointment with a dealer as soon as possible. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 3, 2022MI

When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was life threatening, luckily the oncoming traffic slowed down. Otherwise I would have ended up in life threatening crash. During both warnings, I checked the engine temperature gauge in the instrument cluster and the engine temperature was not even 50% of the maximum temperature in the gauge. After the warning, I slowly made it to a nearby parking lot and opened the hood and did not physically feel any excessive heat for an engine not to function. I regularly service my vehicle and my vehicle is not due for any kind of service for the next 2000 mile as per the onboard vehicle status. The next day I started the vehicle to help it to climb the tow truck ramp and at that time, for the very first time I received a warning saying engine coolant is very low. I have never received this warning since I have owned the car until then. I have two concerns, 1. The temperature gauge did not show a high temperature, only 24 hours after the electronic engine high heat notification, the low coolant warning came in which is weird and my vehicle isn't due for any service. 2. None of the above should res

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 9, 2022MA

We had a 2017 bmw 330i x-drive. It had approximately 67000 miles. The car stalled while driving about 6 times. The first time was in 3/2021. The diagnostics were for a faulty high pressure fuel pump. We replaced the HPFP. It stalled again while driving. The diagnostics were for a faulty low pressure fuel pump. We replaced this. The car then stalled while driving 2 more times. The car stalled again in 10/2021, and we towed it to the dealer, who diagnosed a problem with the electric fuel pump control unit., which the dealer replaced. We brought the car home for one day, and we had the same problem again. We brought the car back to the BMW dealer, who diagnosed a problem with the VANOS system. The BMW Peabody dealer directed us to BMW corporate for evaluation of available warranties and rebates given the nature of the problem (VANOS) being warranted under the California SULEV emissions standards and the fact that they dealer had diagnosed a separate problem the day before. We sent the diagnostics and the SULEV warranty info to Sean, as everyone at BMW seemed unaware of its existence and who was responsible for following it. He took weeks “looking into it,” and the dealer repaired the VANOS during this time without a final answer from corporate. A car stopping while driving is clearly dangerous to the occupants and surrounding vehicles. BMW did not honor the SULEV warranty, which clearly covers the VANOS and the fuel pumps until 70000 miles. The car was traded to BMW Peabody, as

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 2022FL

Water pump keeps going bad 2nd time replacing in 2 years rough idle and failed part problems that BMW service team does not understand. Vehicle has stalled at 0 rpm I'm thinking there is an issue with the engine also reported by previous owner and I also have the same complaints, as well the foot release which I was was told was an option never worked. Please search vin [XXX] for all incident reports with this vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 10, 2022NJ

After day to day use the seat belt stopped functioning. The mechanism to lock the seat belt is stuck and will not unlock to latch the seat belt properly. Ultimately the driver and passengers are unable to latch the seat belts at anytime.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 16, 2021PA

Damaged heat exchanger from debris/rocks getting through grill of car. Now A/C SYSTEM IS BLOWING WARM AIR, IT WILL BLOW COOL FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD AND THEN GET VERY HOT and car overheats. BMW dealer says the radiator needs replaced and will cost $1600. BMWs after 2017 are now manufactured with a mesh grill covering/rock guard to prevent these issues. This should be covered under my warranty and is not.

Electrical System
Filed May 8, 202133,400 milesUT

DRIVING AT 40MPH AN ALERT ERROR FOR STEERING AND BRAKING WARNING CAME UP AND STALLED THE CAR TO ZERO MPH. A REVIEW OF OTHER INTERNET COMPLAINTS ON BMW OWNERS WAS SIMILAR. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL?

Engine
Filed Mar 16, 2021CA

EVERYTIME I START UP THE ENGINE, THE IDLE IS IN HIGH RPM LIKE 1200-1300RPM EVEN IT IS WARMED AND THEN GRADUALLY GOES BACK TO NORMAL AFTER A MINUTE. AND IN COLD START THERE IS A LOUD THUD SOUND UNDER THE CAR AND SEEMS LIKE THE CAR ENGAGE AND THEN DISENGAGE, ONLY IN COLD START.

Engine
Filed Apr 7, 202050,200 milesNJ

WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, LIQUID FROM THE WATER PUMP CAUSED THE FILER TO BE DAMAGED AND RESULTS IN A FIRE SMELL THROUGHOUT THE CARE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 5, 202013,402 milesCA

THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE WOULD CLOSE ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN I'M REACHING FOR ITEM(S) DEEP IN THE CARGO AREA. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT SINCE MY FEET ARE UNDER THE HANDS-FREE/ KICK SENSOR FOR THE AUTOMATIC LIFT GATE THAT THAT WOULD ACTIVATE IT. HOWEVER, THE LIFTGATE WOULD ALSO OPEN OR CLOSE WHEN I'M NOT UNDER THE SENSOR SUCH AS FILLING UP FOR GAS OR PUTTING THE CAR COVER ON. FORTUNATELY, THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASE IN 2018, BUT DEALER SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SITUATION.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 201927,000 milesNH

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. SUNROOF AND SHADE WERE BOTH CLOSED. I WAS ACCELERATING SLOWLY. HEARD A SUDDEN, VERY LOUD POP AND GLASS BEGAN TO ENTER THROUGH THE SHADE VENTING AREA. A LARGE PORTION OF GLASS (PROBABLY 1/3 - 1/2) DISLODGED FROM THE AREA, SCRAPED THE BACK OF THE CAR AND LAUNCHED ONTO THE HIGHWAY BEHIND ME. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS BEHIND ME, MUCH LIKE ICE WOULD IF RELEASED FROM THE HOOD OF A MOVING CA.. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EVALUATE THE DAMAGE. THE SUNROOF APPEARED TO HAVE BUCKLED AND BLOWN OUT, AS THE SHARDS OF GLASS WERE POINTED OUTWARD FROM THE CAR. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT IS AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND NOT UNDER WARRANTY, DESPITE HAVING PURCHASED THE CAR CPO JUST OVER ONE MONTH AGO.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 28, 201913,000 milesNJ

THE 2 REAR SEAT BELTS (NOT THE MIDDLE ONE) BECAME DETACHED AT THE CONNECTION POINT AT THE TOP OF THE SEAT. THE BELTS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN TORN OR SEVERED AS IF THEY WERE CUT AT THE POINT WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 1, 201810,600 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 55-65 MPH ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THE MAJORITY OF GLASS BLEW UP AND OUT OF THE CAR, BUT SMALL PIECES WERE FALLING BACK INTO THE CAR. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66 DEGREES. TRAFFIC WAS MOVING WELL, BUT HEAVY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 201814,600 milesAZ

I WAS DRIVING ON A FREE WAY DURING RUSH HOUR WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSION. I PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF TO THE CAR HAD SHATTERED AND CREATED A VERTICAL PROTRUSION FROM THE WINDOW. THE TEMPERATURE THAT AFTERNOON WAS 109 AND I HAD DRIVEN FROM AN ALTITUDE OF 7,000 FEET TO 1,200 FEET. THERE WAS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN TEMPERATURE FROM THE HIGHER ELEVATION. A HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER STOPPED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE AND NOTED HE HAD WORKED IN DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT LESS THAN A WEEK EARLIER, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID A ROCK HAD HIT THE CAR AND I SHOULD CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE SERVICE REP INFORMED ME IT WAS IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE WITHOUT EXAMINING THE CAR. I SHARED WHAT THE DPS OFFICER SAID AND THE SERVICE REP JUST SHOOK HIS HEAD. THE CAR IS A PREOWNED CERTIFIED VEHICLE.

All 42 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
20256110Routine
20246200Routine
20234200Routine
20226300Routine
202129730Routine
2020531120Routine
201941950Routine
201832130Routine
2017 — this page42000Routine
20110300Routine
20100300Routine
20090300Routine
20080300Routine
20070300Routine
20062197100Do not drive
200528520Do not drive
2004113540Do not drive
200377742Do not drive
200245710Do not drive
2001116830Do not drive
20000300Do not drive
19990200Routine

Compare every 330i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.