2021 Bmw 330e Safety Report

2021 BMW 330E faces multiple recalls including fire risk from battery issues and seat belt concerns; no NHTSA crash test ratings available.

3Complaints
5Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
1Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (1)Steering,Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Bmw 330e

The 2021 BMW 330E presents a mixed safety picture, with no NHTSA crash test ratings available, making it difficult to assess its direct crashworthiness. However, the vehicle has been subject to 5 recalls, indicating several manufacturing or design flaws identified post-production. A significant concern is the recall related to the high-voltage battery, where loose welding beads or debris could lead to a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury. This is corroborated by one of the three total NHTSA complaints, which describes a "catastrophic failure of the Electric Motor Electronics and 12v Battery" leading to a high voltage system shutdown, with the potential for a crash. Another recall addresses improperly tightened seat belt assemblies, which could compromise occupant restraint during a crash, increasing injury risk. The low number of total complaints (3) with only 1 reported injury and 0 crashes or fires suggests that while specific issues exist, widespread catastrophic failures are not yet evident in the NHTSA complaint data. The lack of crash test data is a notable gap for a comprehensive safety assessment.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Bmw 330e receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Bmw 330e

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Bmw 330e:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High-Voltage Battery Short-Circuit Risk
Recall 21V-748 and 21V-749 indicate loose welding beads or debris in the hybrid battery could cause a short-circuit, increasing fire risk. One complaint details a 'catastrophic failure of the Electric Motor Electronics and 12v Battery'.
High Occasional N/A miles
Improperly Tightened Seat Belt Assembly
Recall 21V-747 states the bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification, potentially reducing occupant restraint during a crash.
High Occasional N/A miles
Seat Belt Retractor Malfunction
Recall 21V-746 indicates a seat belt retractor may not function as intended during a crash, increasing injury risk.
High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Display Issues
Recall 21V-217 addresses missing or reduced rearview camera images, increasing the risk of a crash or injury if the driver relies solely on the camera.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Engine Starter Motor Failure
One complaint details a failure of the engine starter motor (pinion starter) and reduced auxiliary battery capacity.
Medium Rare N/A miles
Vehicle Stalling In Electric Mode
One complaint describes the car stalling when accelerating in all-electric mode on a full charge.
Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Bmw 330e:

Electrical System 66% of complaints

Two out of three complaints mention electrical system issues, specifically related to the electric motor electronics, 12v battery, and auxiliary battery, aligning with battery-related recalls.

Power Train 33% of complaints

One complaint details a starter motor failure, which is part of the powertrain, and another mentions the car stalling while in electric drive mode.

Engine 33% of complaints

One complaint directly references engine starter motor failure, and another mentions the car stalling, which could involve engine management.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Bmw 330e

Is the 2021 BMW 330E safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BMW 330E has no official crash test ratings, so its crashworthiness is unassessed by NHTSA. However, it has 5 recalls, including serious issues like potential fire risk from the high-voltage battery and seat belt malfunctions that could increase injury risk in a crash. While only 3 complaints have been filed, one describes a 'catastrophic failure' of the electric motor electronics and 12v battery, aligning with recall concerns.

What are common problems for the 2021 BMW 330E?

The most reported issues, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (66% of complaints), particularly the high-voltage battery and associated electronics, with a known recall for fire risk. POWER TRAIN and ENGINE components also appear in complaints, including starter motor failure and stalling in electric mode.

Are there any fire risks with the 2021 BMW 330E?

Yes, there are significant fire risks identified through two recalls (21V-748 and 21V-749). These recalls state that loose welding beads or debris within the hybrid battery could create a conductive path, leading to a short-circuit and increasing the risk of fire or injury. One NHTSA complaint also describes a 'catastrophic failure of the Electric Motor Electronics and 12v Battery' which could lead to a high voltage system shutdown.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 330E have?

The 2021 BMW 330E has 5 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address issues with seat belts, the rearview camera system, and the electrical system, specifically concerning the high-voltage battery.

What should I know about the seat belts in the 2021 BMW 330E?

There are two recalls related to the seat belts. Recall 21V-747 indicates that the bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame may not have been tightened to specification, potentially compromising occupant restraint. Recall 21V-746 addresses seat belt retractors that may not function as intended during a crash, both increasing the risk of injury.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the multiple safety recalls, particularly those concerning fire risk from the high-voltage battery and seat belt integrity, prospective buyers should ensure all recall remedies have been completed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical and powertrain systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Bmw 330e

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Bmw 330e. The data includes 3 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.