2021 BMW 228i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

3RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data1InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 BMW 228i shows a mixed reliability profile due to its three recalls, primarily related to seat belts and visibility systems. Given the peak failure mileage of 0-20k, it's essential for prospective buyers to be aware of these issues early in ownership.

Key Factor:Multiple safety-related recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

In the automotive landscape, recalls regarding safety components like seat belts are particularly significant. The malfunctioning seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) could compromise occupant safety during a crash, which is a critical concern. Similarly, issues with power windows and sunroofs can lead to unintentional injuries or damage when not functioning correctly, particularly in emergency situations. For a luxury brand like BMW, experiencing multiple recalls in a single model year raises questions about their commitment to quality assurance during manufacturing.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    πŸ“
    Summary: The trend for the 2021 BMW 228i reflects a heightened risk profile compared to its predecessors. With three active recalls, this model year falls short of the expectations typically associated with BMW's engineering reputation for reliability and safety.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

68/100
Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-3.25
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW 228i

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
Model228i
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 228i. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSVISIBILITY

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: Potential early deactivation of passenger seat belt ALR may not comply with safety standards.

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Check if your vehicle has had the recall service completed regarding the seat belt system.

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Request proof that all recall repairs have been addressed before finalizing any purchase.

2

Power Windows

Issue: Sunroof may close unexpectedly without driver input due to electrical failure.

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Regularly test sunroof functionality and seek immediate repair if it behaves erratically.

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Inspect functionality of all windows and sunroof during test drives; ensure no electrical malfunctions are present.

πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 21V554000

SEAT BELTS

Summary

BMW 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 (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers 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).

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 21V091000

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Summary

BMW 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."

Consequence

If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 23V584000

SEAT BELTS

Summary

BMW 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."

Consequence

An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 228i.

INV-2021-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 228i performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 40,690

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
βœ“

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

"What are common issues reported for the 2021 BMW 228i?"

"The most notable concerns for the 2021 BMW 228i revolve around its recalls related to seat belts and power windows. These include potential failures in the locking mechanism of seat belts as well as unexpected operation of power windows and sunroofs. Buyers should prioritize checking that these issues have been resolved through recall services before purchasing."

"How does the reliability of the 2021 BMW 228i compare to previous models?"

"Compared to earlier models from BMW, which often boast fewer recalls and stronger reliability records, the experience with the 2021 BMW 228i is less favorable. The presence of three separate recalls suggests a need for cautious evaluation regarding this year's model as it may indicate deeper quality control issues at play compared to past iterations."

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

➑️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified BMW service centerβ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in BMW's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.