Model year 2021 · BMW

2021 BMW 3 Series / M3 recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 11 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW 3 Series / M3 — 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The most recent was reported on January 30, 2026. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: 330E, 330I, M3, M340I.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW 3 Series / M3, newest first
NHTSA number	Reported	Component
26V056000	January 30, 2026	Electrical System › Starter Assembly
25V636000	September 23, 2025	Electrical System › Starter Assembly › RelayPark outside
23V584000	August 16, 2023	Electrical System › Software
23V211000	March 29, 2023	Seats
21V554000	July 21, 2021	Seat Belts
21V298000	April 28, 2021	Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
21V096000	February 19, 2021	Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
21V062000	February 10, 2021	Service Brakes, Hydraulic
20V761000	December 9, 2020	Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
20V601000	September 30, 2020	Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery
20V490000	August 18, 2020	Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery

Systems involved: Electrical System (6) · Seat Belts (3) · Back Over Prevention (1) · Seats (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 26V056000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly

Report received by NHTSA: January 30, 2026
Owner notification: March 27, 2026
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 87,394 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

Safety risk

Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V056000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V636000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay

Park outside advisory

Report received by NHTSA: September 23, 2025
Owner notification: February 6, 2026
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 199,674 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330I

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

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 at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V636000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V584000

Electrical System › Software

Report received by NHTSA: August 16, 2023
Owner notification: October 12, 2023
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 144 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330I, M340I

Components: Electrical System › Software; Seat Belts

Defect summary

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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V584000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V211000

Seats

Report received by NHTSA: March 29, 2023
Owner notification: May 22, 2023
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 51 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330I, M340I

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V211000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V554000

Seat Belts

Report received by NHTSA: July 21, 2021
Owner notification: September 3, 2021
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 21,537 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330E, 330I, M3, M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V554000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V298000

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

Report received by NHTSA: April 28, 2021
Owner notification: June 25, 2021
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 12 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330E, 330I, M3, M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.

Safety risk

An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V298000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V096000

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA: February 19, 2021
Owner notification: April 16, 2021
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 13,858 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330E, 330I, M340I

Components: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera; Back Over Prevention › Software

Defect summary

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, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. 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."

Safety risk

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V096000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V062000

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Report received by NHTSA: February 10, 2021
Owner notification: May 25, 2021
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 893 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: M3

Components: Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

Safety risk

A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V062000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V761000

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery

Report received by NHTSA: December 9, 2020
Owner notification: March 30, 2021
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 812 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Safety risk

Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V761000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V601000

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery

Report received by NHTSA: September 30, 2020
Owner notification: November 24, 2020
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 4,509 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330E

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

Safety risk

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy

BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V601000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V490000

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery

Report received by NHTSA: August 18, 2020
Owner notification: October 12, 2020
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 713 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: 330E

Components: Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery; Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

Safety risk

A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V490000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: February 2, 2026.