NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to you.
This page covers 7 recalls, 28 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 BMW 330i.
30 mpg combined
7.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Electrical system complaints dominate owner reports for the 2021 BMW 330i, accounting for the largest share of filings. The recurring concern centers on the starter motor, where owners describe being notified of a potential issue involving water intrusion leading to corrosion and a possible short circuit. Many owners report being told parts needed to complete the repair are on backorder, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods, some describing waits stretching beyond six months. Engine complaints are the second most-reported area, with owners describing coolant-related issues, including low coolant warnings and the need to replace the coolant housing assembly. A smaller number of complaints touch on forward collision avoidance, though that complaint volume is too low to characterize a clear pattern. The parts availability frustration tied to the starter motor repair is a consistent thread running through many of the electrical complaints.
28
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 BMW 330i has 7 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk tied to the engine starter relay, which can corrode, overheat, and short circuit.
On the occupant safety side, three separate recalls affect how well the car holds its occupants in a crash. The front seat frame may not be properly welded to the seat rails, which can allow the seat to shift or fail during a collision. Separately, the seatbelt retractor on certain trims may not function correctly in a crash, and on some vehicles the bolt securing the seatbelt assembly to the frame was not tightened fully, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant as expected. There is also a software issue where the audio module fails to generate the audible seatbelt reminder chime, so a driver who forgets to buckle may not be prompted. Rounding out the list, a rearview camera software fault can cause the backup image to be missing or reduced, limiting what the driver can see when reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine starter relay can corrode, causing it to overheat and short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The receiver audio module software may fail to produce audible seat belt warning alerts to the driver.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the receiver audio module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat frame may not be properly welded to the seat rails, which could affect seat stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger seat belt retractor may unlock too early before the belt fully retracts, reducing crash protection.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt that attaches the seat belt assembly to the vehicle frame was not tightened to the correct specification, which could allow the seat belt to become loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When shifting into Reverse, the rearview camera display may show a partially obscured image or fail to illuminate, reducing rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and update the rearview camera software as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.