Every 2021 BMW M3 recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 21V062000
Oct 2, 2021Service Brakes, Hydraulic
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 21V062000 →Seat Belts · NHTSA 21V554000
Jul 21, 2021Seat Belts
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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).
Full recall details for 21V554000 →Seat Belts · NHTSA 21V298000
Apr 28, 2021Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 21V298000 →
2021 BMW M3 complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW M3. BMW has issued at least 64 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags1
- Seat Belts1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Unknown Or Other1
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (23)
- Electrical System (19)
- Steering (6)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (4)
- Exterior Lighting (4)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic (4)
Read BMW M3 owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW M3. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.”
2021 BMW M3Aug 2, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11678030
“Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating "passenger restraint system malfunction"”
2021 BMW M3Aug 28, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11611304
Check your M3 by VIN
Not every 2021 BMW M3 is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
Run a free VIN recall check →