NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 BMW 330E Recalls & Complaints
The 2021 BMW 330E has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 BMW 330E. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 BMW 330E owner complaints
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW 330E, describing incidents dated December 13, 2021 to August 30, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Engine 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Power Train 2 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
- Service Brakes 1 complaint
- Steering 1 complaint
Together, the 4 complaints on file report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11761564 · Filed
I am getting error code 21A50A and 216115 which Starter Overheating that can cause fire. Similar error code were coming on other cars and BMW have recalled it the recall number is 26V056. I ask BMW and NHTSA to include 330E in this recall as 330E is similar to 330I. 330I and 330E uses same parts and…
ODI #11720299 · Filed
1. The engine starter motor (specifically the pinion starter) has failed, and the auxiliary battery is also showing reduced capacity (only a portion of its 660 cold cranking amps). The vehicle is currently at a service center where the technician has diagnosed these issues. The components should be…
ODI #11590355 · Filed
On 5/22/24 had a catastrophic failure of the Electric Motor Electronics and 12v Battery. I have requested that the BMW Serice Assistant provide me with all affected parts for inspection. Shutdown of the vehicle high voltage system could result in a crash. When this part fails along with the 12v…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 BMW 330E in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
Passenger Seat Belt Malfunction/FMVSS 208
NHTSA #21V554000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice
Reported July 21, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 21,537 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.76% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified September 3, 2021
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly Malfunction
NHTSA #21V298000 · Seat Belts — Front — Buckle Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported April 28, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 12 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified June 25, 2021
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #21V096000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice
Reported February 19, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 13,858 vehicles
Repair completion: 97.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified April 16, 2021
Defect description
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety consequence
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Debris in Hybrid Battery may Cause Fire
NHTSA #20V601000 · Electrical System — Propulsion System — Traction Battery · NHTSA notice
Reported September 30, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 4,509 vehicles
Repair completion: 99.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified November 24, 2020
Defect description
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Safety consequence
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Hybrid Battery May Short-Circuit
NHTSA #20V490000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery · NHTSA notice
Reported August 18, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 713 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified October 12, 2020
Defect description
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Safety consequence
A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other BMW 330E model years
Check your 2021 BMW 330E VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 330E at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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