2021 BMW 228I
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes.
2 of 7 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
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Unknown
NHTSA ODI report, 20231007
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.
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The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time the failure occurred. The contact veered to the side of the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230720
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance.
Show complaint excerpts
Unknown
NHTSA ODI report, 20231007
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 21V091000 — check if this car was fixed
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),...
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.
Campaign 21V554000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V584000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 BMW 228I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V091000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V554000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V584000 (electrical system, seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 BMW 228I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW 228I?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 228I have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.