Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2021 BMW M3 peaked in 2024, 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
2021 BMW M3
Sedan, gasoline, RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Aug 28, 2024 to Apr 1, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year322k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Below the median 2021 sedan
Severity index0.02021 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
33% of complaints about the 2021 BMW M3 name airbags
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
3 recall campaigns cover the 2021 BMW M3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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-298 | Apr 28, 2021 | Bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification | Seat belts | 12 | Part replacement |
| 21V-062 | Feb 10, 2021 | Rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly… | Brakes | 893 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2021 BMW M3
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.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Apr 1, 2026Failure Mar 31, 2026Forest Hills, NYUnknown or other
Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside.
NHTSA complaint 11728419 - Filed Aug 2, 2025Failure May 13, 2025Chicago, ILSteering, Suspension
Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
NHTSA complaint 11678030 - Filed Aug 28, 2024Failure Aug 27, 2024Palmdale, CAAir bags, Seat belts
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”
NHTSA complaint 11611304
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
64 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.
- B410725 Jan 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side. - B410725 Aug 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side. - 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… - B310124 Jan 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 vehicle is lowered, … - B160123 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 scavenging air sy… - B340714 Oct 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material- - 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… - B630321 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled). - B160123 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 scavenging air sys… - 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. - B514616 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator. - B841422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - 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. - B620223 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In SPORT mode, a black square appears in the RPM gauge (tachometer) section of the instrument cluster display. - B320123 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard. - B610120 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - B340921 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - B841422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B841222 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - 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. - B170322 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The charge air cooler housing may sperate and lose charging pressure. - B652022 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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, driver: short ci… - B651922 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves. - 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. - 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. - B640422 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in the center of the instrument panel. - 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. - SIB511322 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
During strong acceleration, the fuel filler door possibly opens automatically. - 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 … - SIB630222 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Excessive condensation has collected in one or both headlights. - B310318 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed. - 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. - B651221 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - 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. - B611621 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The "energy management" Check control message (ID code 415) is falsely displayed when entering the vehicle. - B611421 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The BMW Gesture Control function may fail permanently as a result of high temperature fluctuations. - 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. - B651312 Sep 1, 2021 · 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… - SIB340721 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 nearest Service Ce… - 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. - B341019 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 highest possible brak… - B340921 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operationwhen braking from low speed. - SIB 62 03 21 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When the vehicle is operated in Sport Mode, the engine speed is no longer displayed in the BMW Head-Up Display (HUD). - SIB 61 08 21 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The cigarette lighter is difficult or impossible to pull it out. - SIB 61 04 21 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - B651721 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The BMW key card cannot be activated. The activation menu in the BMW iDrive is missing. - B651221 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. Most of the vehicles … - B511621 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Noises from the center console shifter cover at low speeds. The noise can be affected by pressing the gearshift lever knob. - B341019 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 highest possible bra… - B662419 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - B650721 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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) with the Android 1… - B651221 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 - B651121 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list. - B610421 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - B120321 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to an software error, the adaptation values of the actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (ARB) may be lost.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.