2004 BMW 330i lighting problems

The 2004 BMW 330i has 89 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 64% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Lighting complaints

64%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Lighting complaints by year

330i lighting complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

11V438000LightingAugust 26, 2011 · 241,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS WAS EXTREMELY DIM. THE REFLECTOR WAS DISCOLORED AND BURNED, CAUSING IMPROPER ILLUMINATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. MAIL OUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 15, 2013 · fire

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2004 BMW 330i have?

NHTSA has 89 complaints about the 2004 BMW 330i lighting — 64% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2004 BMW 330i lighting?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the lighting: 11V438000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.