Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 BMW 230I peaked in 2020, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 BMW 230I
Convertible, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Dec 21, 2020 to Jun 25, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year15,079 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Close to the median 2020 convertible
Severity index0.02020 convertibles average 16.9
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2020 BMW 230I name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2020 BMW 230I
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V-352 | May 9, 2019 | Driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled | Airbags | 5,079 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 BMW 230I
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.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure Feb 26, 2026Nesconset, NYElectrical system
BMW F Series models between 2008-2021 have issues with rear turn signal malfunctions. On my car, the left turn signal stopped working and caused a fault warning. The dealership said the housing needed to be replaced, but then it started working normally, and then the right rear did the same. Since then, I have had intermittent failures on both the left and right sides. A simple google search shows many complaints about this issue as document here: https://www.google.com/search?q=BMW+rear+turn+signal+malfunction&oq=BMW+rear+turn+signal+malfunction&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIICAQQABgWGB4yCAgFEAAYFhgeMggIBhAAGBYYHjIICAcQABgWGB4yCAgIEAAYFhgeMggICRAAGBYYHtIBCTEwMzk0ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Because they are turn signals, this is a serious safety issue. BMW charges a lot of money to replace these turn signals when it is clearly a manufacturing defect. There should be a recall ordered by BMW. My car is a 2020 with only 38,000 miles, this should never happen. Thank you!
NHTSA complaint 11746445 - Filed Dec 21, 2020Failure Dec 11, 202010,000 milesGoodyear, AZVisibility/wiper
I PURCHASED A NEW 2020 BMW 230I IN MAY 2020. ITS FIRST AND ONLY SERVICING WAS ON 12/9/20 FOR A 10,000 MILE OIL CHANGE AND "MULTI-POINT INSPECTION," IN WHICH ONE OF THE INSPECTION ITEMS WAS "INSPECT SUNROOF OPERATION AND CHECK FOR LEAKS." 12/11/20 I WAS DRIVING TO MY OFFICE NORTHBOUND ON ESTRELLA BLVD WHEN AT APPROXIMATELY 8:53 AM, I HEARD WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS AN EXPLOSION. MY INITIAL REACTION WAS THAT PERHAPS A TIRE BLEW OUT. AS I THEN LOOKED AROUND AT THE WINDOWS AND THE DASHBOARD, I HEARD SOMETHING SCRAPING AGAINST THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. I SLIGHTLY OPENED THE INTERIOR SUNROOF HATCH AND SAW THE SUNROOF GLASS WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED AND THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE VISIBLE. I CLOSED THE INTERIOR SUNROOF HATCH AND THEN HEARD GLASS BLOWING OFF OF THE SUNROOF TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE CAR. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME AS I WAS CONCERNED THE BLOWING GLASS WOULD CAUSE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. I PULLED TO A SIDE ROAD AS SOON AS SAFE TO DO SO AND MESSAGED MY WIFE ABOUT THE INCIDENT (ADRIANA VALENZUELA @ 8:56 AM). AS THE CAR WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL, I DROVE THE APPROXIMATE 3 1/2 MILES BACK TO MY RESIDENCE. AT 2:32 PM, THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM MY RESIDENCE AND TRANSPORTED TO ARROWHEAD BMW. AT 3:30 PM, I RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL FROM ARROWHEAD BMW.".......YOUR CAR JUST ARRIVED AND YOU MAY WANT TO CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE IT WAS HIT BY A ROCK....." I ADVISED GOMEZ UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD I ACCEPT THAT "A ROCK" HAD HIT MY VEHICLE. I ALSO ADVISED THAT IN MY 23 YEARS AS AN FBI AGENT, I KNEW WHAT AN 'EXPLOSION" SOUNDED LIKE AND WHAT I EXPERIENCED EARLIER THAT MORNING REMINDED ME OF A "FLASHBANG" (USED BY SWAT TEAMS). IN ADDITION, IT IS VERY CLEAR FROM THE PHOTOS THAT THE GLASS HAD BEEN FORCED OUTWARD AND UPWARD FROM THE FORCE OF THE BREAKAGE SHE ADVISED THAT SHE WOULD NOT HAVE AN UPDATE FOR ME UNTIL AT LEAST 12/14/20.
NHTSA complaint 11384470
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
67 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 Jun 26, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. - B840226 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Campaign
Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue, Remote Services will not function in the … - B512022 Jun 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area. - 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. - B630418 Jul 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. - B511223 Jul 2, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
After carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults indicate that the operation of the front bottom active air flap is obstructed or blocked. - B512022 Jul 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area. - 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… - B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails. - 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… - B122519 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence. - B840822 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. - 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. - SIB410322 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The driver and/or passenger side floor mat/carpet are soaked during/after a car wash. - 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… - B170121 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine. - B170121 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine. - B010722 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This bulletin is notice of a limited emission warranty extension. This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is current… - B58N20N55S55 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship. - B610615 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Rattling noises heard from vicinity of glove box. - B640613 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. - B610721 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel. - B840221 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. - B840121 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting Februa… - B840221 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the dis… - B610721 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle, when turning the steering wheel. - B110120 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On rare occasions during an engine oil service, the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing. - B510921 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
GROANING FROM THE SIDE WINDOWS: There is a groaning noise present from the area where the side windows meet the convertible top while driving. Insufficient seal pressure against the side windows. - B110321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available. - B510921 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
GROANING FROM THE SIDE WINDOWS: There is a groaning noise present from the area where the side windows meet the convertible top while driving. Insufficient seal pressure against the side windows. - B110321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available. - B610615 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Washer Fluid Reservoir Rattles While Driving on Rough Roads: Rattling noises heard from vicinity of glove box. - B360121 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases th… - B121318 Feb 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
COMBUSTION CONTROL VALVE LIFT AT IDLE: The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position. - B640613 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up. - B640613 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up. - B011220 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW MAINTENANCE BOOKLET AND OEM TIRE MANUFACTURERS' WARRANTIES: In efforts to provide a digital experience to our customers, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is proud to announce a digital version of both the BMW Maintenance Booklet and BMW Original Equip… - B612315 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. - B513218 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PAINT ON THE B-PILLAR IS SCRATCHED/DAMAGED: The paint finish of the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal. - B650709 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. … - B610419 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery. - B340517 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. - B160319 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NOISES FROM THE FUEL TANK AT IDLE: All vehicles except the F48 (X1): While driving slowly with low RPM or while idling a faint knocking or fluttering noise can be heard from inside the fuel tank with a low fuel level (approximately less than 2 gallons). The… - B610419 Jun 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery. - B610520 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy … - B130420 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TANK VENTILATION AND MIXTURE CONTROL FAULTS STORED IN THE DME: The Engine Malfunction Warning is illuminated and one or more of the following faults are stored in the DME. All models: FC 191C02 - Fuel tank ventilation system 2nd discharge point: malfunction… - B110120 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
B58C AND B58M ENGINES ENGINE OIL FILTER INSERT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE - REMOVAL: On rare occasions during an engine oil service the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing. The … - B840214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is be… - B652214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle… - B610520 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B61 05 20 dated February 2020. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagno… - B513016 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a tra… - B340517 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The v… - B121318 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DME FC 21A02D - COMBUSTION CONTROL: VALVE LIFT AT IDLE This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B12 13 18 dated September 2019. The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.