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Vehicle recall · NHTSA · Published March 15, 2021

BMW M440I (2021) recall — Air Bags

BMW recalls 2021 M440i convertibles due to potential head-thorax air bag failure in side crashes. Affected vehicles need software update from dealers.

🇺🇸 NHTSA recall #21V176000VehicleBMW ›
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✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

What happened, in plain English

BMW is recalling certain 2021 M440i convertibles because their side-impact air bags might not deploy properly during crashes. This could increase injury risk if the air bag fails to activate when needed. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80271-bmw-2021-m440i-air-bag-recall-incorrect-deployment-risk.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80271-bmw-2021-m440i-air-bag-recall-incorrect-deployment-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V176000

Cite this page

“BMW 2021 M440i Air Bag Recall: Incorrect Deployment Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80271-bmw-2021-m440i-air-bag-recall-incorrect-deployment-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #21V176000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V176000).

Why it’s dangerous

In some side-impact crashes, the head-thorax air bag may not deploy as intended. This means the air bag might not inflate properly when needed to protect occupants.

Who’s affected

Owners of 2021 BMW M440i convertibles are affected. Drivers and passengers in these vehicles face the highest risk during side-impact crashes.

How to tell if you have this one

Check if your vehicle is a 2021 BMW M440i convertible. The recall covers specific models sold in the U.S. between March 2021 and the recall start date.

  • Brand
    BMW
  • Category
    Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Contact BMW Customer Service

    Reach out to BMW at 1-800-525-7417 to schedule a software update at a dealer.

Official remedy

What NHTSA says to do

Dealers will update the software, at no charge. All affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory, and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. The recall began March 9, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

Do I need to stop using my vehicle immediately?

No, the recall does not require immediate stop use. Affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory and can be updated safely.

How can I tell if my vehicle is affected?

Check if your vehicle is a 2021 BMW M440i convertible. The recall covers specific models sold in the U.S. between March 2021 and the recall start date.

Is there a risk of serious injury?

The recall states that in certain side-impact crashes, the air bag may not deploy as intended, which could increase injury risk.

Take action

Contact BMW

We’ve drafted a message you can send BMW to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.

Subject: Recall 21V176000 — BMW BMW

Hello,

I own a BMW that is covered by recall 21V176000 from BMW.

The official recall notice states: Dealers will update the software, at no charge.  All affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory, and therefore no owner letters will be mailed.  The recall began March 9, 2021.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?

Thank you.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: NHTSA Recall #21V176000 (March 15, 2021)
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not NHTSA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA