2021 BMW M340i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

6RecallsNHTSA Verified5ComplaintsNHTSA Data2InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 BMW M340i displays a concerning reliability profile due to multiple recalls affecting critical systems, particularly in seat belts and electrical components. Prospective buyers should be aware of the peak failure range around 25,500 miles, indicating potential issues early in the vehicle's life.

Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls present

📋Why This Matters

The presence of recalls on seat belts and electrical systems is particularly alarming for a vehicle in the premium segment like the BMW M340i. Seat belt reliability is a fundamental aspect of passenger safety; any malfunction could lead to dire consequences during a crash. Additionally, electrical faults can compromise not just performance but also essential features such as stability control and infotainment functions, which are crucial for modern driving experience. A clean recall history would typically reflect strong manufacturing standards and commitment to safety, making this situation noteworthy.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Noise
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary: Considering the data from year-to-year trends, the BMW M340i's reliability appears diminished compared to its peers. The significant number of recalls within its first production years suggests an urgent need for scrutiny from current owners and potential buyers alike regarding maintenance practices and service history.
Critical Component: Noise

Safety & Reliability Score

42/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-0.25
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW M340i

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
ModelM340i
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Sep20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (20% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 5 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟡Medium
2(40%)
🟢Low
3(60%)
✅Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The recorded peak failure range of 20k-40k miles highlights a critical window where potential issues may arise for owners. This means that any current M340i owner or buyer should be particularly vigilant about inspecting service records or seeking out preventative measures before reaching this mileage threshold.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 4 of 5 complaints (80% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (25%)
20k-40k
2 reports (50%)
40k-60k
1 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

SEAT BELTSELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTIONSEATS

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: Automatic Locking Retractor may deactivate early, compromising safety during a crash.

✅

Confirm that all seat belt mechanisms function properly with a detailed inspection.

🔍

Request comprehensive service records specifically addressing seat belt repairs or replacements.

Campaigns:21V-03021V-032
2

Electrical System

Issue: Improper assembly may cause increased resistance at battery connections leading to malfunctions.

✅

Have an electrician inspect the battery connection for signs of wear or overheating.

🔍

Inquire if any electrical system updates or repairs have been performed as part of routine maintenance.

Campaign:21V-031
3

Back Over Prevention Camera

Issue: 'Rear visibility' concerns due to potentially obscured camera feed when reversing.

✅

'Regularly test the rearview camera functionality as part of your routine checks.'

🔍

'Verify that no recalls were overlooked regarding rearview camera inspections before purchase.'

Campaign:21V-029
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (6)

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: 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: 21V298000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.

Consequence

An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 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: 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

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 M340i.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

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

Opened: Affected Units: 41,244
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

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

Opened: Affected Units: 39,346

Consumer Complaints

5 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 M340i.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Noise20%
Brake Failure20%
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING,SUSPENSION

Started as low creaking noise coming from front left wheel. Slow speeds, over small bumps. Over time (one month), creaking noises became louder and more frequent. At that time, steering was starting to feel stiff when turning to the left. Taken to 2 BMW dealerships who said it was just a noise and that both tie rods would have to be replaced. Upon further investigation, these noises and handling are a result of the torque being too tight at the factory upon manufacturer.

Oct 10, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN

While driving through an intersection and making a left turn, a failure of the engine water pump pulley caused the pulley to break apart. This led to damage to the coolant line and tensioner, sudden coolant loss, and the serpentine belt slipping off. The failure occurred mid-turn, causing the vehicle to skid and momentarily lose steering control. I narrowly avoided a collision with an oncoming vehicle that was stopped at a red light. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where mechanics confirmed that the water pump pulley had failed and caused the resulting damage. The vehicle is just over 4 years old and has approximately 58,000 miles. This type of failure—especially in a well-maintained vehicle with all scheduled maintenance completed on time—is unexpected and presents a serious safety concern.

Apr 23, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

At approximately 20,000 miles, vehicle indicated excessively low oil. The dealer indicated oil level was excessively low but did not identify the problem,. The vehicle was filled and returned to owner. Within 1000 miles, the incident occurred again. Dealer replaced replaced the valve cover claiming that was the issue. Now within +/- 1000 miles, the oil level is again excessively low. I happen to have another identical BMW of the same year and same mileage having exactly the same problem (filing separate complaint).

Nov 3, 2023Resolved
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

At approximately 20,000 miles, vehicle indicated excessively low oil. The dealer indicated oil level was excessively low but did not identify the problem,. The vehicle was filled and returned to owner. Within 1000 miles, the incident occurred again. Dealer replaced replaced the valve cover claiming that was the issue. Now within +/- 1000 miles, the oil level is again excessively low. I happen to have another identical BMW of the same year and same mileage having exactly the same problem (filing separate complaint).

Nov 3, 2023Resolved
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2021 BMW M340I. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted from reverse(R) to drive(D) to park(P). The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that an unknown transmission repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.

Nov 1, 2022Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

'What common issues should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW M340i?'

'When considering a used 2021 BMW M340i, be mindful of several key issues tied to its recall history. Focus on ensuring that any necessary recall work has been performed, particularly around seat belts and electrical systems. Also, verify whether all relevant Technical Service Bulletins have been addressed—this can save you significant trouble down the line.'

'How does owning a recalled vehicle affect my insurance premiums?'

'Owning a vehicle with active recalls can potentially impact your insurance premiums negatively. Insurers might view it as higher risk if essential repairs aren't completed beforehand. It's wise to consult with your agent about how these factors could influence your coverage options or rates when purchasing vehicles with unresolved recall issues.'

📊Year-over-Year Context

📈Improving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 40%.

🧭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

  • 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

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every BMW recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later M340i iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
⚖️

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