3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW M3.
3
recalls
3
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2021 BMW M3 recalls
Seat belts
NHTSA campaign 21V554000 · reported July 21, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC · 21,537 vehicles potentially affected
The 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."
The risk
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
The 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).
Seat belts: front, buckle assembly
NHTSA campaign 21V298000 · reported April 28, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC · 12 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The risk
An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA campaign 21V062000 · reported February 10, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC · 893 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The risk
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Air bags1
Seat belts1
Steering1
Suspension1
Unknown or other1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Apr 1, 2026 · Unknown or other
Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside.
Aug 2, 2025 · Steering
Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
Aug 28, 2024 · Seat belts
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”
M3 model years compared
Year
Recalls
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
2018
0
9
0
1
2021
3
3
0
0
2022
0
1
0
0
2023
1
1
1
0
Across all years, the 2008 M3 has the most complaints (82). All BMW M3 years →
Questions
Does the 2021 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 BMW M3, the most recent reported on July 21, 2021 (Seat belts). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW M3?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (1 complaints), followed by seat belts (1).
How many 2021 BMW M3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 3 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 1, 2026.