vehicle signal
U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Bmw M340I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

11 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

4,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 11 complaints (63.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior218.2%
Transmission and shifting19.1%
Braking behavior19.1%
Electrical and battery issues19.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
7
Electrical System
2
Power Train
2
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
1
Service Brakes
1
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine7
Electrical System2
Power Train2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission1
Service Brakes1
Steering1
Suspension1

Engine: 7; Electrical System: 2; Power Train: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Steering: 1; Suspension: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2022
1
2023
2
2025
2
2026
6
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20221
20232
20252
20266

2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2025: 2; 2026: 6

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11491782 · 2022-11-01 (November 1, 2022)

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 a dealer who diagnosed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that an unknown transmission repair w…

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11491782 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11553343 · 2023-11-03 (November 3, 2023)

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 to have another identical BMW of the same year and same mileage having exactly the same problem (filing separate complaint).

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11553343 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11553344 · 2023-11-03 (November 3, 2023)

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 to have another identical BMW of the same year and same mileage having exactly the same problem (filing separate complaint).

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11553344 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11656393 · 2025-04-23 (April 23, 2025)

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 vehicle that was stopped at a red light. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where mechanics confirmed that the water pump pulley had …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11656393 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11692586 · 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)

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 are a result of the torque being too tight at the factory upon manufacturer.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11692586 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11724191 · 2026-03-13 (March 13, 2026)

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 fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperat…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11724191 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11738024 · 2026-05-15 (May 15, 2026)

I am reporting a safety concern with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, primarily in 2019–2021 model years. These vehicles use a variable-displacement oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates oil pressure. This plastic part is prone to fracturing, leading to sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. Failures most commonly occur during cold starts in low ambient temperatures. When the component breaks, oil pressure regulation fails with little or no warning. Driver…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11738024 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11738468 · 2026-05-18 (May 18, 2026)

Here’s a strong version that sounds frustrated but still credible and harder to dismiss: I’ve owned many vehicles over the years, and this BMW has been, without question, the most problematic car I’ve ever had. The list of issues has been absurd for a vehicle in this price range and from a brand that markets itself as a premium luxury manufacturer. The sunroof failed, I’ve had multiple tire blowouts under normal driving conditions, the drive bar/suspension was bent from what should have been a routine road bump, the engine oil housing/compone…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11738468 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

20V761000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Reported: 2020-12-09 (December 9, 2020)

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 campaign record ↗
21V096000 · Back Over Prevention:Software | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2021-02-19 (February 19, 2021)

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 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V298000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 2021-04-28 (April 28, 2021)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V554000 · Seat Belts

Reported: 2021-07-21 (July 21, 2021)

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."

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).

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V211000 · Seats

Reported: 2023-03-29 (March 29, 2023)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V584000 · Electrical System:Software | Seat Belts

Reported: 2023-08-16 (August 16, 2023)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗