2020 BMW 330I — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
59
Owner Complaints
11
Recalls
21
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2020 BMW 330I
The 2020 BMW 330I has received a total of 59 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 16 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, SEAT BELTS. 21 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (15 complaints), Engine (15 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (7 complaints).
Recalls for the 2020 BMW 330I
NHTSA has recorded 16 recalls for the 2020 BMW 330I, potentially affecting up to 502,167 vehicles.
Recall 25V636000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
| 199,674 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 23V584000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 144 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with...
Consequence: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 23V584000 — SEAT BELTS
| 144 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with...
Consequence: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 23V211000 — SEATS
| 51 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 21V096000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
| 13,858 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8,...
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 21V096000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 13,858 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8,...
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 20V355000 — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
| 2,779 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Consequence: A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
View full details →Recall 20V164000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
| 3,316 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted...
Consequence: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 20V164000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
| 3,316 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted...
Consequence: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 20V164000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
| 3,316 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted...
Consequence: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 20V164000 — AIR BAGS
| 3,316 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted...
Consequence: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 19V912000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
| 135 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 19V850000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 245 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
Consequence: Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
View full details →Recall 19V732000 — ENGINE
| 217 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
Consequence: If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 19V755000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
| 325 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence: If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 19V684000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 257,473 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive,...
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2020 BMW 330I
59 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW 330I. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignition | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Assist | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owned a 2020 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop and making a left turn, another vehicle, trying to beat the light and driving 60 MPH, crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact was trapped because the front driver's side door failed to open. The air bags failed to deploy. The police officers delayed their arrival, and a police report was not filed. The contact was in shock. The contact drove to the residence and was able to exit the vehicle through the front passenger's side door. The contact sustained C8-T1 nerve injuries, spinal injuries, and underwent surgery, developed myelopathy, severe PTSD, severe whiplash, and the contact sustained right eye bruises after hitting her eye against the steering wheel. The T1 neck screw that was previously installed in the contact's neck had backed out due to the impact and was replaced. The contact was informed that she nearly sustained paralysis due to the crash impact. The vehicle was taken to an autobody repair shop, and the vehicle was totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent an engineer who performed the vehicle inspection. The manufacturer later sent a letter to the contact, providing an engineering explanation for the air bag's failure to deploy. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.
I am not sure this the the right form for filing my complaint. I was issued a recall letter in November about my car catching on fire. I have seen videos of other BMWs catching on fire. I am not sure if legally I can take it to a mechanic? What if something happens while it is at the mechanic? Legally do I have to take it to the dealership? What if it catches on fire and my neighbors property gets damaged? I have called and email BMW but no response. I need to take my BMW in for other issues but live out in the country, what are we suppose to do? It has been several months. They shouldn’t be allowed to do this. They should replace the vehicle or buy it back. It is dangerous.
I am not sure this the the right form for filing my complaint. I was issued a recall letter in November about my car catching on fire. I have seen videos of other BMWs catching on fire. I am not sure if legally I can take it to a mechanic? What if something happens while it is at the mechanic? Legally do I have to take it to the dealership? What if it catches on fire and my neighbors property gets damaged? I have called and email BMW but no response. I need to take my BMW in for other issues but live out in the country, what are we suppose to do? It has been several months. They shouldn’t be allowed to do this. They should replace the vehicle or buy it back. It is dangerous.
I own a 2020 BMW 330i xDrive with an open safety recall involving a fire risk related to the engine starter. The recall has been open for approximately five months, and BMW has not provided a remedy or repair timeline. I have been informed that parts are unavailable, and no interim fix has been offered. This defect presents a serious fire hazard, and I do not feel safe operating the vehicle. I am currently pregnant, which increases my concern for personal safety and the safety of my unborn child. Despite the unresolved safety recall, I am still required to make monthly payments on the vehicle. BMW has not provided alternative transportation or sufficient guidance on how to safely manage this situation.
Car manufacturer (BMW) has had a recall (ID 25V636000) for over two months. It requires parking the vehicle outside away from overhanging trees, because of risk of fire. BMW knows what the fix is (replace the starter motor) but has not begun recalling vehicles. Please compel BMW to perform the repair/replacement.
Safety Rating for the 2020 BMW 330I
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2020 BMW 330I in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2020 BMW 330I
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 21 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2020 BMW 330I. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B521723 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Customer states one of the front seats is inoperative. The seat heater and power supply are inoperative. During the vehicle test, the seat module does not respond. The power supply fuse for the seat module isfound to have blown.
B610120 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE
Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.
B360122 — TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
After replacing tires and successfully programming the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) using the RDC tool to transfer the QR code information on the sidewall, the "back-end" support systems need time to update the new tire information.
B840621 — EQUIPMENT
The SIM card installed in the telematics control unit (ATM2) connects to different mobile providers' networks. However, due to a missing parameter, this does not work and can cause disruption in BMW ConnectedDrive services in areas with insufficient network coverage.
B640321 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
After replacing the microfilter during a previous service, the customer notices that the ventilation system airflow rate is noticeably less. This leads to perceived lower cooling power. The customer may also notice that external odors enter the vehicle.
B640521 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
A rattling noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning is activated.
B320620 — STEERING
REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR: If the power supply to the steering gear is lost and the steering angle is greater than 15 degrees, a fault can occur in the steering system. This can lead to various fault memory entries and Check Control Messages (CCM) in the entire vehicle network.
B110320 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
REPLACE EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER: Possible loss of engine output and illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
B512620 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
SERVICE ACTION - CHECK REAR WINDOW: The rear window may not have been properly bonded. The rear window may not have been properly bonded to the body during production.
B611520 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DELIVERY STOP: TRUNK LOCK SWITCH WIRING HARNESS: BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective June 5, 2020) on a small number of Model Year 2020 BMW 3 Series vehicles that were produced on March 25, 2020 and March 26,2020. The wiring harness from the Body Domain Controller (BDC) to...
Showing 10 of 21 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2020 BMW 330I
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 330I
- 2017 BMW 330I — 54 complaints
- 2018 BMW 330I — 37 complaints
- 2019 BMW 330I — 46 complaints
- 2020 BMW 330I (current)
- 2021 BMW 330I — 35 complaints
- 2022 BMW 330I — 5 complaints
- 2023 BMW 330I — 3 complaints
- 2024 BMW 330I — 5 complaints
- 2025 BMW 330I — 1 complaint