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2021 BMW M

HybridGas
Subcompact Cars
26 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA17
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA26 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 BMW M is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact car with 26 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the M340i, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 17 complaints, most often about the engine.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
M340iHybridRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 44V Li-Ion233226$3,000
M340i xDriveHybridAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 44V Li-Ion223125$3,100
M440i xDrive CoupeHybridAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 44V Li-Ion223125$3,100
M235i xDrive Gran CoupeGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233226$3,000
M240i ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo213024$3,250
M240i CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo213024$3,250
M240i xDrive ConvertibleGasAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo213024$3,250
M240i xDrive CoupeGasAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo213024$3,250
M240i ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192721$3,700
M240i CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192721$3,700
M2 Competition CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,900
M550i xDriveGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo172520$3,900
M2 Competition CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162319$4,100
M3GasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162319$4,100
M3 CompetitionGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162319$4,100
M4 Competition CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162319$4,100
M4 CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162319$4,100
M850i xDrive ConvertibleGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo172419$4,100
M850i xDrive Gran CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo172419$4,100
M5GasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M5 CompetitionGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Competition ConvertibleGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Competition Gran CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 ConvertibleGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Gran CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M760i xDriveGasAWD6.6L 12-cyl turbo132016$4,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 42925, 42926, 43146, 42819, 42878, 42875, 42880, 42877, 42879, 42876.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

27,720 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.RiskAn unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V525000reported Aug 12, 2026BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

144 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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."RiskAn audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V584000reported Aug 16, 2023BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seats

51 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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.RiskAn improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V211000reported Mar 29, 2023BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

21,537 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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 (CooperRiskDuring a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.FixDealers 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).
NHTSA campaign 21V554000reported Jul 21, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Structure

2 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 BMW 230i and M240i vehicles. Supports within the roof liner may be insecurely attached.RiskThe support may separate from the roof liner and fall into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash necessitating the deployment of the head air bag.FixDealers will inspect and repair or replace the roof liner as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be sent. The one owner was notified on June 15, 2021 by telephone and the vehicle has been repaired. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V342000reported May 12, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

12 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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.RiskAn improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.FixBMW 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V298000reported Apr 28, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

13,858 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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 43RiskIf 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.FixBMW 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V096000reported Feb 19, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
●moderate

Visibility

14,011 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."RiskIf the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V091000reported Feb 18, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

893 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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.RiskA loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.FixBMW 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V062000reported Feb 10, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

812 vehicles
ProblemBMW 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.RiskIncreased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.FixBMW 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V761000reported Dec 9, 2020BMW of North America, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

312 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskIf the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V598000reported Sep 30, 2020BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Child Seat

16 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 740Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive, M760Li xDrive, and Alpina B7 vehicles. The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."RiskA child restraint system placed on the vehicle's rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which are equipped with an accessible top tether anchor, or, the middle rear seating position and the vehicle's three-point safety belt. The recall began August 20, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V379000reported Jun 30, 2020BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
17complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2026: 7

Most-cited components

Engine7
Power Train5
Electrical System3
Suspension2
Steering2
Exterior Lighting1

What owners describe

“I have been smelling a burning odor in the vehicle for almost a year which the dealership and an independent shop had not been able to diagnose. The car was recently throwing Drivetrain Error codes which prompted a visit to the dealership. They found that the 48v battery and negative cable are burnt and quoted $5680 to…”Jul 2, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“The BMW B58TU oil pump thermoplastic component issue that can cause catastrophic failure to the engine. The the gen 1 oil pump was made from plastic and after issues were discovered, they switched to metal oil pumps. However this known issue is something that BMW has not addressed in the models 2019-2021 that came with…”Jun 29, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field …”May 28, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other M model years

A

2027 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2025 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2024 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2023 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2022 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

F

2020 BMW M

15 recalls · 57 complaints

D

2019 BMW M

4 recalls · 8 complaints

C

2018 BMW M

4 recalls · 41 complaints

C

2017 BMW M

3 recalls · 20 complaints

F

2016 BMW M

6 recalls · 11 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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