2020 BMW 330I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 BMW 330I: 11 recalls, 53 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
11 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles
What's wrong: The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019.
Engine Vehicle recall #19V732000 · 2019 · 217 vehicles
What's wrong: The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts May have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
Why it matters: If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #19V755000 · 2019 · 325 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they May not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #19V850000 · 2019 · 245 vehicles
What's wrong: The headlight control units May fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
Why it matters: Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 2020.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #19V912000 · 2019 · 135 vehicles
What's wrong: The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners May not lock as intended during a crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V164000 · 2020 · 3,316 vehicles
What's wrong: The sensors in the front seat belt buckles May inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #20V355000 · 2020 · 2,779 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A damaged or fractured tie rod May affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V096000 · 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
What's wrong: When shifting into reverse, a small portion of the rearview image May be obscured, or the screen May not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #23V211000 · 2023 · 51 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat frame May not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Why it matters: An improperly welded seat frame May not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023.
Electrical, Seat belts Vehicle recall #23V584000 · 2023 · 144 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V636000 · 2025 · 199,674 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine starter relay May corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Why it matters: A short circuit in the starter relay May increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), fire / smoke (7), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine (19): the most common themes are fire / smoke (11), warning light on (3), leaks (3).
- Other / unknown (7): the most common themes are warning light on (2), stalls / loses power (2).
- Airbags (5): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
The 2020 BMW 330I has 53 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 23 330I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 35). Complaints peaked in 2026 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 34,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (41 complaints, 9 recalls), 2021 (29 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 30 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 BMW 330I.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 BMW 330I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recalls for the 2020 BMW 330I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 BMW 330I problems?
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (20), engine (19), other / unknown (7).
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW 330I get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 BMW 330I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.