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.
Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jul 20, 2023 to Sep 26, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-584 | Aug 16, 2023 | Receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt | Electrical system | 144 | Software update |
| 21V-554 | Jul 21, 2021 | Passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts | Seat belts | 21,537 | Part replacement |
| 21V-091 | Feb 18, 2021 | 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… | Visibility and wipers | 14,011 | Software update |
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.
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 11767112Engine 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 11742389BMW 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 11710000The 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 11647494THROTTLE 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 11639472I 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 11591317Unknown
NHTSA complaint 11548812The 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 11533458Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.