2021 BMW M3

3 recalls, 5 complaints - 83 TSBs

SEAT BELTS

Defect Description

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 (2... Read more

Consequence

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 ... Read more

21,537 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

12 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Defect Description

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, X... Read more

Consequence

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.

893 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

5 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
POWER TRAIN	2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS	1
ENGINE	1
TIRES	1

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

I have replaced several sets of tires with this Tesla Model X 2019. After years of dealing with a front end alignment problem, I finally had the repair done with some assistance from Tesla. When I purchased my vehicle under warranty, I reported problems with steering and pulling to one side, but t... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2025

Defect Summary: Since 2024, my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has had a persistent, abnormal engine noise consistent with the sound of a 4-cylinder diesel engine, despite being gasoline-powered. The noise occurs both while idling and in motion. On several occasions, the coolant warning light illuminated ... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2025

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

It happened several times already. My F150 Tremor randomly has extremely loud electrical sound POP through the speakers followed by the loud static, no matter I listen to radio or connect to android studio. It's super dangerous to hear this while driving.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

Car is over heating. Replace water pump and thermostat. Car still over heating. Bad water pumps.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 BMW M3

2021 BMW M3 4 DR AWD

Category	Rating
Rollover Risk	0.0%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2021 BMW M3

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	16.0	23.0	19.0	Premium	$4,050

CO2 Emissions: 472.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 BMW M3

83 manufacturer communications from 51 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	13
010000 STEERING	6
350000 EQUIPMENT	6
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	5
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	5
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	5
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	3

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho

020000 SUSPENSION

With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the veh

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and s

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permi

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled).

162500 STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

In SPORT mode, a black square appears in the RPM gauge (tachometer) section of the instrument cluster display.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.

010000 STEERING

When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard.

274300 LANE DEPARTURE:LANE KEEP:NAVIGATION SYSTEM/SOFTWARE

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

353650 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE

176100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Hood lever is pulled twice but the hood only achieves the pre-latch position on both sides.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective November 10, 2022) on a small number of Model Year 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between August 8, 2022 and October 18, 2022.

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

The charge air cooler housing may sperate and lose charging pressure.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag,

140000 AIR BAGS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.

130000 VISIBILITY

After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in the center of the instrument panel.

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

During strong acceleration, the fuel filler door possibly opens automatically.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called N

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Mist formation on the windshield inside surface may occur at departure or after MSA (automaticstart/stop). Acoustic abnormality in the area of the recirculated air flap (recirculation flap closing and opening severaltimes). The above may oc

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Excessive condensation has collected in one or both headlights.

010000 STEERING

Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed.

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective June 9, 2021) on certain Model Year 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between May 7, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The Receiver Audio Module (RAM) will need to be added to the affected vehicles.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 ins

350000 EQUIPMENT

While using the wireless charger, one or both of the following may occur: 1) The BMW display key or mobile phone becomes hot to the touch. 2) The device switches off due to over temperature (built-in device protection).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

010000 STEERING

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

The "energy management" Check control message (ID code 415) is falsely displayed when entering the vehicle.

061560 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PRESSURE/TEMPERATURE SENSOR

The BMW Gesture Control function may fail permanently as a result of high temperature fluctuations.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer states the following about their vehicle: active radio or music source is interrupted, the navigation is no longer available, a black screen is shown in the Control Display, the system works again after a short interruption.

010000 STEERING

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle maynot start when placing the key against the steering column.

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operationwhen braking from low speed.

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the high

010000 STEERING

Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

Noises from the center console shifter cover at low speeds. The noise can be affected by pressing the gearshift lever knob.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The BMW key card cannot be activated. The activation menu in the BMW iDrive is missing.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The customer may complain of a check control message stating "Safe share detected" (CCM-ID 953). Check control message can be verified by checking key reader information or performing the Check control message history service function.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

When the vehicle is operated in Sport Mode, the engine speed is no longer displayed in the BMW Head-Up Display (HUD).

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

When the vehicle is operated in Sport Mode, the engine speed is no longer displayed in the BMW Head-Up Display (HUD).

033200 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC

When starting the vehicle vehicle at standstill, various yellow Check Control Messages CCMs appear. ID code 00042: Brake system. Additional notes: Avoid abrupt braking as far as possible. Drive at a moderate speed. Have it checked by your n

350000 EQUIPMENT

The cigarette lighter is difficult or impossible to pull it out.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Due to an software error, the adaptation values of the actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (ARB) may be lost.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Due to an software error, the adaptation values of the actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (ARB) may be lost.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Due to an software error, the adaptation values of the actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (ARB) may be lost.

350000 EQUIPMENT

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

353640 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AUX AUDIO JACK/PLUG

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HU-H3 MGU RESETS DUE TO BLUETOOTH CONNECTION WITH SAMSUNG ANDROID 11 : The head unit resets when using various apps (e.g., YouTube, Spotify, etc) on the connected mobile phone. This affects Samsung mobile phones (e.g., Galaxy S20 / S21) w

353630 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:BLUETOOTH/WIFI

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

REMOTE CONTROL IS NOT DETECTED: Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle maynot start when placing the key against the steering column.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

RETROFIT SATELLITE RADIO (OPTION CODE SA655): The affected vehicles were produced with Preparation BMW Satellite Radio (option code SA 693) instead of with Satellite Radio (option code SA 655).

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INCREASED EFFORT REQUIRED TO OPEN DOORS: One or more doors may require increased effort to open.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CONDENSATION IN TAILLIGHT: Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights

010000 STEERING

REMOTE CONTROL IS NOT DETECTED: Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW M3

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

RQ, Open , Model Year: 1999

INADVERTANT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT

ON MARCH 26, 1999, BMW OF NORTH AMERICAN, INC. RECALLED 32,500 1999 323I AND 328I MANUFACTURED UP TO APRIL 1999, FOR INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POT HOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.AS A REMEDY, BMW WILL RECODE THE AIR BAG... Read more

BMW M3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW M3 across all model years (1988, 2023).

82 Total Recalls

554 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

31 Reported Crashes

6 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

BMW M3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	2	View
2023	1	1	View
2022	0	1	View
2021 (current)	3	5
2018	0	10	View
2017	2	3	View
2016	3	7	View
2015	3	4	View
2014	1	0	View
2013	2	17	View
2012	3	6	View
2011	4	41	View
2010	4	20	View
2009	5	54	View
2008	5	102	View
2007	3	0	View
2006	5	14	View
2005	3	12	View
2004	3	38	View
2003	5	69	View
2002	5	48	View
2001	4	20	View
2000	2	0	View
1999	1	13	View
1998	1	18	View
1997	2	28	View
1996	1	1	View
1995	4	16	View
1994	1	0	View
1993	1	0	View
1992	1	0	View
1991	1	0	View
1990	1	0	View
1989	1	0	View
1988	1	2	View

Other BMW Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
X3	155	2,661	View
330I	122	1,050	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
Z4	83	1,439	View
325I	83	1,809	View
5 SERIES	78	557	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2021 BMW M3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 BMW M3

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2021 BMW M3

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 BMW M3

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW M3

BMW M3 - All Years Overview

BMW M3 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models