NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor may fail, and repeated start attempts can cause it to overheat from electrical overload.
This page covers 10 recalls, 47 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 BMW M340i.
25 mpg combined
9.4 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.
The dominant pattern in 2020 BMW M340i complaints centers squarely on the engine, which accounts for the majority of reports filed. The most frequently described issue involves the engine oil pump, where owners report sudden loss of oil pressure, in several cases while driving at highway speed, leading to warning lights, immediate shutdown instructions, and in some instances complete engine failure requiring a tow. Owners consistently describe the oil pump as containing plastic internal components that crack or deteriorate over time from heat cycles, ultimately causing catastrophic oil pressure loss. A smaller cluster of engine cooling-related complaints rounds out the engine category. Outside the powertrain, a handful of owners report a persistent whining noise from the front drivetrain that varies with vehicle speed and load, appearing to originate near the front differential.
47
Total Complaints
By System
The 2020 BMW M340i has 10 recalls, the most serious being a steering tie rod that can fracture under heat or rough road conditions, causing loss of vehicle control, and a starter motor that can overheat and ignite material in the engine compartment.
Two recalls involve occupant restraints: the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may deploy improperly in a crash, and a seat frame that was not properly welded to its rails may fail to hold an occupant during a collision. A separate seat issue affects the rear center headrest, which can fold down in a rear-impact crash due to a welding defect. On the engine side, software controlling engine startup can cut braking assist, leaving the driver with full but unassisted brake pedal effort, which requires significantly more force to stop the vehicle.
Two recalls cover rear visibility: the rearview camera image can disappear or shrink while reversing, and on certain vehicles the backup camera may show no image at all when backing up. The trunk interior release cable may have been installed incorrectly, preventing someone trapped inside from opening the trunk. There is also a software issue where the audible seatbelt reminder chime for the driver may not sound.
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor may fail, and repeated start attempts can cause it to overheat from electrical overload.
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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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no charge to prevent starter overheating.
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
During engine startup, the engine management software may disable the power braking system. You can still brake manually, but without power assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your engine management software 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.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions like high temperatures and rough roads, the steering gear tie rod can become damaged and possibly fracture, affecting steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat belt buckle sensors may incorrectly read a buckled occupant as unbuckled, which could cause airbags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The interior trunk release cable may be installed incorrectly, which could prevent you from opening the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and properly install the trunk release cable as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display can be adjusted to hide the rear view image, and the vehicle remembers this setting when put in reverse, leaving the screen blank.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the backup camera software at no cost to restore the display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear center headrest may fold during a rear-impact crash due to improper welding during manufacturing.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will replace the rear center headrest at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.