2021 BMW M4

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified1ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 BMW M4 presents some notable concerns, particularly regarding the seat belt and brake systems. With issues reported at low mileage, owners should stay alert to potential problems.

Key Factor:Braking system vulnerabilities

📋Why This Matters

The recalls on the 2021 BMW M4 highlight significant safety risks that could affect not just the driver, but also passengers. The early deactivation of the seat belt retractor can compromise occupant safety during a crash. Additionally, a potential failure in the hydraulic braking system raises serious concerns about stopping power, especially under hard braking conditions. Such defects are critical in a high-performance vehicle that demands precision and reliability in its safety features.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary: Compared to other vehicles in its class, the M4’s year-over-year reliability is hindered by these recent recalls. While BMW has a prestigious reputation for engineering excellence, these specific issues could undermine driver confidence and create higher repair costs.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

84/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW M4

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
ModelM4
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun24
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

0 complaints (0% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 1 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟢Low
1(100%)
✅Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Possible separation of brake rotor and shaft during hard braking.

✅

Schedule a brake system inspection immediately.

🔍

Check for completed recall repairs specifically regarding braking systems.

Campaigns:21V-00021V-001
2

Seat Belts

Issue: 'Automatic Locking Retractor' may deactivate early, affecting safety compliance.

✅

'Test seat belts thoroughly before every use.'

🔍

'Verify if seat belt recalls have been addressed.'

Campaign:21V-002
💡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: 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

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

1 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 M4.

Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle brake very very loudly. BMw claims this is normal, this is not true. Vehicle has extremely low miles and performs bad when braking.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V062000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Jun 13, 2024Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues with the 2021 BMW M4?

'The most concerning issues reported include problems with the seat belts and hydraulic brakes. These defects can significantly impact passenger safety and stopping ability if not addressed promptly.'

'Is it safe to buy a used 2021 BMW M4?'

'While the M4 is an excellent performance vehicle, prospective buyers should ensure all recalls have been resolved. High-performance cars like this one can carry more risk if prior issues remain unaddressed.'

📊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

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

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific M4 year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
⚖️

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