2021 BMW M3
Only 3 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 3 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 |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250802
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating âpassenger restraint system malfunctionâ
NHTSA ODI report, 20240828
1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating âpassenger restraint system malfunctionâ
NHTSA ODI report, 20240828
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 21V062000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V298000 — 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V062000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V298000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V554000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 BMW M3 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 M3?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW M3 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.