2021 BMW M240i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 BMW M240i showcases a solid engineering reputation, but the recalls concerning seat belts and structural integrity demand attention. Owners should stay informed about potential risks to ensure passenger safety, particularly for children in the back seat.

Key Factor:Safety concerns with recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The seat belt recall highlights a critical aspect of occupant safety. A malfunctioning Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) could jeopardize the effectiveness of the seat belt in a collision, which is particularly alarming when we consider that children sitting in the back rely heavily on these protective measures. Similarly, the structural recall regarding roof supports raises concerns about crashworthiness and overall vehicle integrity during an accident. As families prioritize safety, these defects warrant serious consideration from current and prospective owners alike.

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: While BMW is generally recognized for its commitment to engineering excellence, the presence of recalls on the M240i indicates an area of concern that needs addressing. This model's year-over-year safety trend illustrates that even reputable brands can face issues that may affect passenger safety, particularly vulnerable passengers such as children.

Safety & Reliability Score

82/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-2.5
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW M240i

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
ModelM240i
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
ISSUEFirst Report
Dec21
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW M240i. 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 BELTSSTRUCTURE

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: The passenger seat belt ALR may deactivate early, compromising occupant protection.

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Check for recall notifications and have seat belts inspected immediately.

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Confirm if all recalls have been addressed before finalizing any purchase.

2

Structural Integrity

Issue: Potentially insecure roof supports could affect crash performance.

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Inspect roof supports as per recall guidelines and seek repairs if necessary.

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'Request information about structural integrity checks performed on the vehicle.'

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

Official Safety Recalls (2)

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: 21V342000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 BMW 230i and M240i vehicles. Supports within the roof liner may be insecurely attached.

Consequence

The support may separate from the roof liner and fall into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash necessitating the deployment of the head air bag.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the roof liner as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be sent. The one owner was notified on June 15, 2021 by telephone and the vehicle has been repaired. 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

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are important safety considerations for families using the 2021 BMW M240i?'

'Families should be aware of recent recalls affecting key components like seat belts and structural elements. Ensuring these issues are promptly addressed can safeguard your loved ones in case of an accident.'

'How does the BMW M240i compare with other compact cars regarding safety?'

'While BMW vehicles generally exemplify strong engineering standards, recent recalls highlight potential vulnerabilities in this model. Prospective buyers should assess whether these issues have been resolved to ensure adequate safety levels.'

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

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific M240i year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.