2020 BMW M340i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 BMW M340i exhibits multiple recalls, primarily concerning seating and back-over prevention systems. Given the high number of recalls, prospective buyers should be particularly vigilant about verifying repairs and compliance.

Key Factor:High recall volume

📋Why This Matters

The presence of ten recalls for the 2020 BMW M340i significantly raises concerns for potential buyers. Specifically, issues with seat integrity during rear impacts and back-over prevention systems can jeopardize passenger safety, highlighting a critical focus on manufacturing quality. Such defects not only affect the vehicle's immediate functionality but could also influence resale value and insurance considerations down the line.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

This model year shows an alarming trend in safety records with a notable number of recalls that exceed expectations for a luxury performance vehicle like the M340i. While BMW has established a reputation for engineering excellence, these systemic issues present risks that current owners and potential buyers must seriously evaluate.

Safety & Reliability Score

3/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-80
Complaint Impact-1.6
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 BMW M340i

Model Year2020
MakeBMW
ModelM340i
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr20
ISSUEFirst Report
Feb21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

5 complaints (16% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 32 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(6%)
🟡Medium
4(13%)
🟢Low
26(81%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

With peak failures occurring between 0-20k miles and an average failure mileage of around 28,772 miles, this indicates that early intervention is crucial. Issues may manifest before typical warranties expire, placing pressure on owners to ensure comprehensive service history reviews before purchase.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 8 of 32 complaints (25% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (38%)
20k-40k
3 reports (38%)
40k-60k
2 reports (25%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

SEATSBACK OVER PREVENTIONSTRUCTURESEAT BELTSSTEERINGENGINEELECTRICAL SYSTEM

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seats

Issue: Improper welding may cause headrests to fail during impact.

Verify recall status and repair compliance for seat components immediately.

🔍

Request detailed service records specifically addressing any seat repairs or replacements related to recalls.

2

Back Over Prevention System

Issue: Back-up camera visibility failures may hinder safe reversing maneuvers.

Test back-up camera functionality regularly to ensure compliance with safety standards.

🔍

'Ensure the back-over prevention system has been updated according to recall specifications prior to purchase.'

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

Official Safety Recalls (10)

Campaign: 19V600000

SEATS

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.

Consequence

If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. 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: 19V684000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

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: 19V755000

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence

If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. 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: 20V164000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. 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: 20V355000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.

Consequence

A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

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: 21V598000

ENGINE

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Consequence

Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 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.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 23V211000

SEATS

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

Consequence

An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 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

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

Campaign: 24V576000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Consequence

A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. 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

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 M340i.

INV-2020-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding M340i performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 51,067
INV-2020-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding M340i performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 31,628
INV-2020-1002🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding M340i performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 26,198

Consumer Complaints

32 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 M340i.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning16%
Stall6%
Acceleration Issues6%
Crack6%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

My oil pump went out causing Low pressure codes and resulting in me paying over 2 grand to get it repaired, They super seeded the oil pump they used to use with a new one and theirs many other reports online etc of the 2020 bmw m340 oil pump going out due to plastic internals which can lead to engine failure .

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

Oil pump common issue of made out plastic cause miss interpretation of oil pressure. Developing engine issues under 50k miles

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

Hi. I’d like to point out I have not had an incident YET thankfully. However, I want to highlight that the early M340i production releases (2019 and 2020) are HIGHLY likely to experience catastrophic engine failure due to an oil pump being made of plastic on some models. Of the 20 or so complaints listed under this vehicle on NHTSA, I’ve already seen PLENTY of complaints regarding this issue and people actually experiencing this issue. I believe if a car has a fair chance of causing catastrophic damage to its engine on its own, it poses as a safety risk for anyone in or around the car. The fix is to spend $6000-$7000 to have the oil pump replaced with the new 2021 oil pump, but most normal people cannot afford that easily and are driving around with plastic pumps still hoping for the best. I don’t understand how so many complaints of the same safety issue on this website for this vehicle (and other vehicles, which have the same B58 engine) have not resulted in a recall. Hopefully this can change because a car destroying itself shouldn’t be taken lightly and I’d like to second what everyone else on here is saying about the oil pump issue.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 BMW M340I. The contact stated that while merging onto the highway and accelerating, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact removed the panels, and there was metal falling out. The contact stated that there was a sizable hole in the engine, and metal was showing from the cam plate and oil pump. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding recalls and warranty coverage but it was recommended that the contact call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 59,015.

Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

Electronic parking brake malfunction, disengage ineffective. Ongoing 2020 BMW mechanical issue, multiple dealer submissions, BMW refuses to open active recall. BMW requires $3,000 center panel replacement, out-of-pocket.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW M340I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that shortly after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle hesitated to start. The contact stated that several employees at the local dealer attempted to start the vehicle. The vehicle started; however, several months later, the failure reoccurred. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and needed to be towed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,162.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My vehicle doesn’t read the oil level since the fuel pump that BMW used to manufacture the car is made out of plastic material. There has been hundred of complaints about the same issue with the oil pump not working properly due to the fact that BMW used plastic instead of metal etc. I would like for the NHTSA to take a look at this issue and please consider making it a recall for the users that are having this “Oil Pump” issue please thank you.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

I cruised on a city street at the speed limit. The light turned red and I came to a full stop. The start/stop system was activated and the engine “stopped” to conserve power while my foot was on the brake. The light turned green and I took my foot off the brake, the engine failed to start and did not start with countless attempts. Digital cluster and CarPlay proceeded to work, exterior lights work. Called a tow to the nearest BMW dealership for assistance.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

Car will not measure oil past 20%. Seems like lots of 2020 models have a faulty production oil pump. Car is now out of warranty and dealer charged $5000 to fix the issue but do not know 100% if oil pump replacement will fix it. BMW changed the oil pump in the later models but did not mention anything about any recalls or replacements. Unacceptable.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE

I am unable to read the oil level in my 2020 M340i. Upon checking the oil pressure, the oil pressure goes above 45psi which is the cutoff for the measurement check. Under heavy acceleration, the oil pressure will go over 90psi. My car needs the oil pump to be replaced. The plastic ring surrounding the oil pump for variable oil pressure will crack and lead to a high oil pressure scenario, eventually leading to catastrophic engine damage. BMW has refused to acknowledge this even though they installed an updated all-metal oil pump in 2021 and newer M340i.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What should buyers know about the safety features of the 2020 BMW M340i?'

'Despite its sporty stance, buyers should be aware that multiple recalls have targeted critical safety features such as seats and back-over prevention systems. Ensuring all recalls are addressed before finalizing a purchase is essential.'

'How can previous recalls affect resale value for the BMW M340i?'

'Recalls can negatively impact resale value if not resolved properly. Buyers often seek vehicles with clean histories; therefore, ensuring repairs are documented will help maintain value in the future.'

🧭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.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official BMW records to ensure no 10 recalls remain open.
  • 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

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every BMW recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later M340i iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

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.