Skip to content

Free public service · Official NHTSA & EPA data

2021 BMW 4 Series Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

15

Total

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ELECTRICAL
6
ENGINE
4
SEAT BELTS
3
OTHER
1
WHEELS/TIRES
1

Recent Complaints

ODI #11734108

ENGINE — Filed 09/23/2025

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.

ODI #11729210

ENGINE — Filed 04/04/2026

The engine Unknown The problem was confirmed by BMW as they sent me a notice. Unknown Unknown

ODI #11724645

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/23/2025

I received a recall notice dated 9/23/2025. The recall is listed as URGENT safety issue that could cause a fire. The notice instructs not to drive the car or park in garage. It has been over 6 months now and there is still no fix. I am requesting the manufacture buyback my vehicle.

ODI #11721698

SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/01/2026

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 430I. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt chest strap was shredded. The contact was concerned that the seat belt would not safely secure the driver in a crash. The contact stated that the shredded seat belt strap might have been caused by the seat belt strap touching the seat belt retractor while pulling the seat belt buckle up. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was13,300.

ODI #11715568

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/04/2026

The contact called for the owner of the 2021 BMW 430I. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11709689

ENGINE — Filed 01/04/2026

The component that malfunctioned is the engine starter relay, which is subject to an open BMW/NHTSA safety recall (issued September 2025) due to potential corrosion causing overheating, short circuits, and vehicle fire risk. The recall specifically advises parking the vehicle outside and away from structures until repaired. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.My safety and the safety of my family were put at risk because the dealership (Capitol Nissan in San Jose) failed to disclose this critical fire-risk recall before or during the sale on January 4, 2026, despite it being noted on the provided Carfax report (without any explanation of its severity). I only learned of the fire hazard and "park outside" warning when an authorized BMW dealer informed me during an inspection on January 5, 2026.The recall issue has been confirmed by an authorized BMW dealer on January 5, 2026.The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized BMW dealer, but not yet by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives.There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms that I noticed prior to purchase, as the problem is related to a latent defect covered by the recall. The issue was UNKNOWN to me until the BMW dealer informed me after the purchase.In addition, the dealership engaged in other fraudulent practices, including structuring my full cash payment as self-financed (with themselves as both seller and creditor) and adding unauthorized charges, but the primary safety concern prompting this report is the undisclosed fire-risk recall.

ODI #11708333

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/01/2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 430I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11706487

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/23/2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 430I. The contact had received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11701950

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/25/2025

Due to the severity of the current safety recall i am reaching out for BMW to supply a correction/remedy for the starter issue. This issue is causing added anxiety and this being my only reliable transportation is troublesome. If they are unable to fix the issue I am asking that they buy the car back so people can get other vehicles that don't run the risk of spontaneously combusting.

ODI #11700127

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/18/2025

Since September 2025 no remedy is available for my vehicle. Due to safety concerns and recall instructions I’ve been unable to drive the car. I’ve called BMW customer service as well as dealer and no resolve.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov