2021 BMW 840i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

4RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data1InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 BMW 840i demonstrates a concerning level of potential reliability risks, particularly with its electrical system and hydraulic brakes. Given the prevalence of recalls in these areas, it's prudent for owners to remain vigilant.

Key Factor:Significant recall presence

📋Why This Matters

Recalls can significantly impact the overall safety and reliability of a vehicle, especially in high-performance models like the BMW 840i. The issues identified in the recalls—particularly involving the electrical system and hydraulic brakes—are critical as they can lead to loss of vehicle control or compromised safety features during operation. Such defects not only threaten occupant safety but may also result in financial burdens due to potential repairs or diminished resale value.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary: The year-over-year trends for BMW highlight a mixed bag of improvements alongside ongoing challenges with certain models. The recall data indicates a heightened risk profile for the 2021 BMW 840i compared to other contemporaneous luxury vehicles, raising concerns among prospective buyers and current owners alike.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

59/100
Below Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-4
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW 840i

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
Model840i
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report
Sep20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
✅

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 840i. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTIONSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical System

Issue: Improper assembly may lead to increased electrical resistance potentially affecting vehicle performance.

✅

Monitor electrical functionality closely and consult a specialist for any irregularities.

🔍

Investigate service histories specifically regarding electrical system repairs or past recalls.

2

Service Brakes

Issue: Possible separation of rotor and shaft could lead to brake failure under hard braking conditions.

✅

Schedule an inspection for your braking system immediately if you experience any unusual brake behavior.

🔍

Verify that all recall work has been performed on braking components before purchasing.

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 20V761000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Consequence

Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 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: 21V096000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, 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: 21V062000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

Consequence

A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 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: 25V644000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Consequence

An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed November 24, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 840i.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 840i performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 33,903

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
✓

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What common issues should I expect with the 2021 BMW 840i?

Common issues include concerns related to the electrical system and hydraulic brakes. It is important to stay updated on any recalls or technical service bulletins that address these components.

'How do I ensure my BMW 840i is safe from known recalls?'

'To ensure your BMW 840i is safe from known recalls, regularly check the NHTSA website using your VIN for any active campaigns. Additionally, maintain good communication with your dealership regarding outstanding recall repairs.'

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable 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

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

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

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified BMW service center—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.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 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.