2021 Bmw M340i Safety Report
2021 BMW M340i Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Bmw M340i
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Bmw M340i. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (6) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Bmw M340i with 4 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Bmw M340i before buying across this generation. |
Bmw M340i Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Bmw M340i years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Bmw M340i | 4 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Bmw M340i | 42 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Bmw M340i Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Bmw M340i, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Bmw onlySteering,Suspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Suspension issues Bmw onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Bmw onlyPower Train,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Service Brakes issues Bmw onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Bmw M340i
Reliability Score
The 2021 Bmw M340i receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2021 Bmw M340i
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Bmw M340i:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Creaking Noise Reports indicate a creaking noise from the front left wheel that increases in intensity over time, potentially affecting vehicle stability. |
Medium | Common | 20,000-30,000 miles |
| Transmission Shifting Issues Several instances of the vehicle shifting from reverse to drive or park without driver input, particularly around 20,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 20,000-30,000 miles |
| Seat Belt Recall BMW is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, and 2022 430i for potential front seat belt buckle assembly issues. |
High | Common | 30,000-60,000 miles |
| Back Over Prevention System Recall for certain 2019-2021 X3 models due to potential failure of the back over prevention system camera. |
Medium | Common | 30,000-60,000 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 M340i:
Engine creaking noise and transmission shifting issues are common concerns.
Recall Details for the 2021 Bmw M340i
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Bmw M340i by NHTSA:
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 ...
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).
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 x...
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Bmw M340i
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Bmw M340i with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractur...
Started as low creaking noise coming from front left wheel. Slow speeds, over small bumps. Over time (one month), creaking noises became louder and more frequent. At that time, steering was starting to feel stiff when turning to the left. Taken to 2 BMW dealerships who said it was just a noise and that both tie rods would have to be replaced. Upon further investigation, these noises and handling...
While driving through an intersection and making a left turn, a failure of the engine water pump pulley caused the pulley to break apart. This led to damage to the coolant line and tensioner, sudden coolant loss, and the serpentine belt slipping off. The failure occurred mid-turn, causing the vehicle to skid and momentarily lose steering control. I narrowly avoided a collision with an oncoming ve...
At approximately 20,000 miles, vehicle indicated excessively low oil. The dealer indicated oil level was excessively low but did not identify the problem,. The vehicle was filled and returned to owner. Within 1000 miles, the incident occurred again. Dealer replaced replaced the valve cover claiming that was the issue. Now within +/- 1000 miles, the oil level is again excessively low. I happen ...
At approximately 20,000 miles, vehicle indicated excessively low oil. The dealer indicated oil level was excessively low but did not identify the problem,. The vehicle was filled and returned to owner. Within 1000 miles, the incident occurred again. Dealer replaced replaced the valve cover claiming that was the issue. Now within +/- 1000 miles, the oil level is again excessively low. I happen ...
The contact owns a 2021 BMW M340I. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted from reverse(R) to drive(D) to park(P). The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was towed to...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Bmw M340i
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Electrical System:Propulsion System
Opened 2023-01-27 · Closed 2023-08-07
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Bmw M340i
Has the 2021 BMW M340I been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 BMW M340I has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 BMW M340I have?
The 2021 BMW M340I has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 BMW M340I?
The 2021 BMW M340I does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW M340I?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 BMW M340I involve engine (3 complaints), steering,suspension (1 complaints), power train (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2021 BMW M340I have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 BMW M340I in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 BMW M340I have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 BMW M340I in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 BMW M340I?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BMW M340I.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 BMW M340I?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BMW M340I.
Should I buy a 2021 BMW M340I?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BMW M340I is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 6 complaints, 6 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 BMW M340I?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 BMW M340I are: 1. ENGINE (3 complaints), 2. STEERING,SUSPENSION (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 BMW M340I?
Be cautious of potential engine creaking noises and transmission shifting issues, especially around 20,000 miles. Check for recalls and address any issues promptly. The 2021 BMW M340I has 6 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 BMW M340I?
The 2021 BMW M340I receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 6 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Creaking Noise and Transmission Shifting Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2021 BMW M340I?
Known issues with the 2021 BMW M340I include: Engine Creaking Noise, Transmission Shifting Issues, Seat Belt Recall, Back Over Prevention System. These are based on patterns found across 6 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2021 BMW M340i?
Common issues include engine creaking noises and transmission shifting from reverse to drive or park without driver input.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW M340i?
Yes, there are recalls for seat belt buckle assembly issues and back over prevention system camera failures.
What should I do if I experience transmission shifting issues?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to identify and address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine creaking noises and transmission shifting issues, especially around 20,000 miles. Check for recalls and address any issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Bmw M340i
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Bmw M340i. The data includes 6 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13