NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 4 Series. Most complaints involve electrical system (7) and engine (5). The EPA rates it 25–29 mpg combined.
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."
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."
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 430i and M440i 4 Series Convertible vehicles. In certain side-impact crashes, the head-thorax air bag may not deploy as intended.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The engine starter motor system failed, specifically involving an intermittent no-start condition related to a pinion starter line break / internal component defect. The vehicle and all original mechanical components are fully intact and available for professional inspection upon request. The engine starter motor system failed, specifically involving an intermittent no-start condition related to a pinion starter line break / internal component defect. The vehicle and all original mechanical components are fully intact and available for professional inspection upon request. The vehicle is currently experiencing these active symptoms. The vehicle experiences sudden, unpredictable intermittent no-start scenarios. Being unable to dependably start or restart the engine creates a severe risk of stranded occupants in hazardous traffic scenarios, remote areas, or extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, this failure pattern matches identical 2026 BMW starter recalls where internal mechanical wear creates a severe overheating condition and an elevated vehicle fire risk, directly threatening passenger safety. No, the component has not yet been formally inspected by the…”
“The recall was issued more than 8 months ago but the remedy is still not yet available, which is very concerning as the problem may cause the event of fire even when the vehicle is parked. Issued SEP 23, 2025 Description of Problem It is possible for water to contact and enter the engine starter. This could lead to corrosion which could cause a short circuit. Safety Risk This could increase the risk of a thermal event or fire during driving or even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.”
“I am seeing a lot of concerns regarding the seatbelt extenders, the buckle end pretensioner, seat wiring harness and the yellow box connectors that are where the main power and air bag SRS connections sit under the drivers seat. The seat harnesses are catching in the sliding track mechanism during forward and backward adjustments, isn't that a manufacturer error as the harnesses are only kept in place by plastic routing clips, which may or may not be there. I am just wondering if this should be looked at on the 2021 440i convertibles? I love the car but worry this is a safety issue forums are mentioning. Car alarms 1m-4am is that software updates, went on for four days in June.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430i Coupe Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,650 | 304 |
| 430i Convertible Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,850 | 326 |
| 430i xDrive Coupe Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,850 | 325 |
| M440i Convertible Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $3,000 | 338 |
| M440i xDrive Coupe Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $3,100 | 346 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (7), engine (5), seat belts (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 BMW 4 Series at 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).