Model year

2021 BMW 228I

Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jul 20, 2023 to Sep 26, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year336k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints8Close to the median 2021 sedan
Severity index0.02021 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 BMW 228I peaked in 2023, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

012320232024202520263
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

25% of complaints about the 2021 BMW 228I name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
2
Lighting
2
Driver assistance
2
Brakes
2
Engine and cooling
1
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 2021 BMW 228I

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW 228I
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
23V-584Aug 16, 2023Receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat beltElectrical system144Software update
21V-554Jul 21, 2021Passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retractsSeat belts21,537Part replacement
21V-091Feb 18, 2021If 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…Visibility and wipers14,011Software update
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 BMW 228I

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

8 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 5, 2026Beaufort, SCElectrical system, Assist, Power train

    Prior to the repair, the vehicle displayed fault codes 100227 and 100229. The dealership technician informed me that faulty wiring was identified as the cause of the problem. After the vehicle entered limp mode, I was stranded on the roadside for approximately five hours awaiting assistance. The vehicle then required towing to the dealership because it could not be safely operated. The circumstances surrounding my vehicle's failure are particularly concerning because they involve electrical wiring and connector issues similar to those addressed by BMW in NHTSA Recall 24V-608. Although BMW may contend that my vehicle is not included within the recall population, the technician's diagnosis identified faulty wiring, and the symptoms I experienced—including vehicle malfunction, limp mode activation, fault codes 100227 and 100229, loss of normal vehicle operation, and the need for emergency towing—are consistent with the type of electrical system failures that BMW has already acknowledged as a safety concern in other BMW vehicles. BMW has admitted in Recall 24V-608 that improperly sealed electrical connectors can lead to electrical faults and short-circuit conditions. The fact that BMW initially informed me that there was no physical problem with the throttle system yet subsequently replaced throttle-related components while the vehicle continued to exhibit electronic warning messages, including seat calibration errors, raises serious concerns regarding the root cause of the failure and whether a broader electrical defect remains unresolved. The technician's finding of faulty wiring further supports the conclusion that this was not an isolated component failure but part of a known pattern of electrical system issues that BMW has previously addressed through recalls and service campaigns. During the repair process, I was initially informed that nothing was physically wrong with the throttle system. However, the throttle-related component was later replaced as the proposed

    NHTSA complaint 11767112
  2. Filed Jun 5, 2026Failure May 28, 2026Palos Verdes Estates, CAEngine

    Engine mount replace required at 37000 per dealership service inspection. Informed that it is standard for this part to fail repeatedly during life of engine. Retail price of repair at dealership estimated at $3000, offered repair for $1200. Informed that a driving hazard and cause for more engine damage if not replaced.

    NHTSA complaint 11742389
  3. Filed Jan 9, 2026Failure Dec 1, 2025Phoenix, AZExterior lighting

    BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be overheating and causing burning to cable in car.

    NHTSA complaint 11710000
  4. Filed Mar 10, 2025Failure Mar 10, 202525,000 milesMount Laurel, NJService brakes

    The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear brakes. The service brakes warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear brake rotors. The contact was also informed that the rear brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 25,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11647494
  5. Filed Jan 29, 2025Failure Jan 13, 2025Lake Elsinore, CAFuel/propulsion system

    THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR BMW OEM PART # 13547619008 FITS ALL BMW MODELS 2016-2024. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FAIL ACROSS MULTIPLE BMW MODEL LINES, particularly in the E60, E90, and E92 series. when it fails, the engine power goes into a safe mode which drops the rpms down to idle speed around 500 rpm and the car can only go a few mph. this happened on the freeway in lane number one at the speed limit, and it was only by a miracle I got to the shoulder without a major potentially fatal accident. BMW lied to me and told me that NHSTA is responsible for policy recalls, but you told me they initiate them on their own. Left to police themselves, they are not recognizing the widely reported failure as a recall, and the repair was thousands after almost causing a fatal accident.

    NHTSA complaint 11639472
  6. Filed May 29, 2024Failure May 16, 2024Pelham, NYService brakes

    I have a 2021 with 25000 miles and a 2023 with 6000 miles which make noise when in reverse. The dealer has stated the rear brake pads likely need replacement and rotors as well. It seems questionable that two exact models two years apart and 20000 miles apart are encountering the same issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11591317
  7. Filed Oct 7, 2023Failure Oct 6, 2023Ekiti, DCElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Automatic emergency braking

    Unknown

    NHTSA complaint 11548812
  8. Filed Jul 20, 2023Failure Mar 16, 202355,000 milesVenice, FLSun/moon roof assembly

    The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time the failure occurred. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11533458
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

99 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • B010224 May 5, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
  • B640416 Jan 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.
  • B610524 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 âÃÂÓ âÃÂÃÂHU-H: ResetâÃÂàwill be stored in the HU-H3.
  • B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 how to handle âdisc…
  • B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk…
  • B612123 Nov 16, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The steering wheel heating takes a long time to achieve the desired temperature.
  • B513218 Nov 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The paint finish on the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal.
  • B011423 Nov 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES
  • B652823 Sep 11, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customers may be experiencing one or more of these following issues with Bluetooth operation: Bluetooth cannot be switched on or off in the head unit (HU-H4) Paired mobile devices cannot be deleted Customer is unable to make phone calls or stream music w…
  • B520121 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.
  • B630821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 permitted short circui…
  • B120323 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B090221 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features.
  • B630723 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Upon parking and exiting the vehicle, the parking lights remain active.
  • B514616 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
  • B510923 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Sudden failure of the power window(s).
  • SIB660823 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS ca…
  • B841422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).
  • B840822 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration i…
  • B651623 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.
  • B610923 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The gear selector switch (GWS) consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever. The sensors for recording the gearshift lever position and for inhibiting inadvertent gearshifts are integrated in the control electronics.
  • B512022 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area.
  • B630223 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The trunklid-mounted inner taillamp turn indicators (arrows) do not function.
  • B841422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).
  • B512222 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Hood lever is pulled twice but the hood only achieves the pre-latch position on both sides.
  • B512022 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area.
  • B512022 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area.
  • B220322 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During load reversal or taking off from a stop, there is a creaking or droning noise heard from the lower engine area.
  • B220222 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During a vehicle inspection and/or while addressing a customer's concern, the engine stabilizer bar/link appears to be worn.
  • B651622 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Sirius(r) Satellite Radio is inoperative.
  • B651922 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.
  • B651622 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Action: Retrofit Satellite Radio. The Sirius(r) Satellite Radio is inoperative.
  • B611222 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.
  • B840822 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration.
  • B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B611722 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After programming the vehicle using ISTA version 4.36.2x, the vehicle will not enter a sleep cycle.
  • SIB650922 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output.
  • SIB410522 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Water in the right tail lamp (aka taillight).
  • SIB662419 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are …
  • SIB540222 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The sunroof and/or panoramic sunroof jams sporadically.
  • SIB360122 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The customer finds an indication in themyBMWapp that the tires need service due to wear. Even afterreplacing the tires, the tire service indicator is still present in the myBMW app.
  • SIB090121 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. The new ISTA Version is also able to be used in case of a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) programming failure to get the customer car reprogrammed …
  • SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 NBT-EVO, supersede…
  • SIB640222 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 occur individually …
  • B090321 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B360122 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The customer finds an indication in the myBMWâ? app that the tires need service due to wear. Even after replacing the tires, the tire service indicator is still present in the myBMW app.
  • B640416 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer complains of musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.
  • B360122 Mar 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After replacing tires and successfully programming the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) using the RDC tool to transfer the QR code information on the sidewall, the "back-end" support systems need time to update the new tire information.
  • B840222 Mar 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The customer finds an indication in the â??myBMWâ? app that the tires need service due to wear. Even after replacing the tires, the tire service indicator is still present in the myBMW app.
  • B840917 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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).
  • B840621 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 insufficient network…
  • B662419 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B652121 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.
  • B090121 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians.
  • B001020 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW of North America (BMW NA) has made information available online to customers about software versions, including any changes to vehicle functionality that will result from each update.
  • B611621 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The "energy management" Check control message (ID code 415) is falsely displayed when entering the vehicle.
  • B650919 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B662419 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B640621 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vents).
  • B090321 Oct 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.