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2021 BMW 2 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 BMW 2 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 9owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 9%fail the UK MOT
9 complaints, against an average of 10 for the other 10 BMW 2 Series model years.
Every BMW 2 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 BMW 2 Series?
The components named most often in the 9 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2021 BMW 2 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 BMW 2 Series as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor
Risk: The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
UK DVSAIntegrated Braking System
Risk: On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.
Fix: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.
UK DVSAIn rare cases the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.
Risk: In rare cases the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.
Fix: Check the fitment of the rear seat belts and if applicable release any trapped components.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Risk: On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Fix: Conduct a check of the settings and if necessary perform a reset on the BDC control unit.
UK DVSAIn the event of a restraint system fault the airbag warning light or warning message is not displayed to the driver due to a software error
Risk: In the event of a restraint system fault the airbag warning light or warning message is not displayed to the driver due to a software error.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the Airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAIf a failure is detected by the control unit the air bag warning light and check control message would not be illuminated and activated
Risk: If a failure is detected by the control unit the airbag warning light and check control message would not to be illuminated and activated.
Fix: The Airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.
UK DVSAThe material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications.
Risk: The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.
UK DVSAThe roof lining stiffening plates may not be bonded correctly
Risk: The roof lining stiffening plates may not be bonded correctly.
Fix: The roof headliner will be inspected and reworked or replaced if required.
UK DVSARemaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit
Risk: A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.
Fix: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.
UK DVSARemaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit
Risk: In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.
Fix: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.
EU Safety GateThe RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to…The RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to build up at the lowest point inside the relay. These deposits may increase relay contact resistance, leading to starting failures or short circuits. If a short circuit occurs, either when attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibration-related movement of the deposits, it could cause a thermal event and increase the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/07/2026
EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe cell modules in the vehicles concerned were not produced in accordance with the specifications, which may cause the module frame to…The cell modules in the vehicles concerned were not produced in accordance with the specifications, which may cause the module frame to fail. This may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system and fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe outer safety belts for the second row of seats may have a suboptimal functioning, increasing the risk of injury in case of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe screws which were used to assemble seatbelts and also on the rear seats of the vehicles concerned may not have been manufactured in…The screws which were used to assemble seatbelts and also on the rear seats of the vehicles concerned may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications. In some cases, the screws in question cannot withstand extreme loads, which could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe strengthening plates attached to the canopy roof may have been poorly glued during the manufacturing process.In the event that the head airbag is deployed, the plates could become detached from the canopy roof and increase the risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 05/05/2021
EU Safety GateA short circuit in the high-voltage battery could occur during initial charging due to a particle in the form of a welding bead.This may trigger a chain reaction in the battery, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2021 BMW 2 Series fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2021, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2021 BMW 2 Series owners report?
8 of the 9 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Prior to the repair, the vehicle displayed fault codes 100227 and 100229. The dealership technician informed me that faulty wiring was identified as the cause of the problem. After the vehicle entered limp mode, I was stranded on the roadside for approximately five hours awaiting assistance. The vehicle then required towing to the dealership because it could not be safely operated. The circumstances surrounding my vehicle's failure are particularly concerning because they involve electrical wiring and connector issues similar to those addressed by BMW in NHTSA Recall 24V-608. Although BMW may…
Engine mount replace required at 37000 per dealership service inspection. Informed that it is standard for this part to fail repeatedly during life of engine. Retail price of repair at dealership estimated at $3000, offered repair for $1200. Informed that a driving hazard and cause for more engine damage if not replaced.
BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be overheating and causing burning to cable in car.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear brakes. The service brakes warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear brake rotors. The contact was also informed that the rear brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 25,000.
THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR BMW OEM PART # 13547619008 FITS ALL BMW MODELS 2016-2024. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FAIL ACROSS MULTIPLE BMW MODEL LINES, particularly in the E60, E90, and E92 series. when it fails, the engine power goes into a safe mode which drops the rpms down to idle speed around 500 rpm and the car can only go a few mph. this happened on the freeway in lane number one at the speed limit, and it was only by a miracle I got to the shoulder without a major potentially fatal accident. BMW lied to me and told me that NHSTA is responsible for policy recalls, but you told me they initiate…
I have a 2021 with 25000 miles and a 2023 with 6000 miles which make noise when in reverse. The dealer has stated the rear brake pads likely need replacement and rotors as well. It seems questionable that two exact models two years apart and 20000 miles apart are encountering the same issue.
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. The contact stated that he inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately…
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 230i. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and while attempting to open the driver’s side front door, there was a scraping sound from inside the door brackets. The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment which was still pending. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,800.
2021 BMW 2 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW 2 Series; the most common categories were electrical system (2, 22.2%), exterior lighting (2, 22.2%), service brakes (2, 22.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW 2 Series?
Across 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (22.2% of complaints), exterior lighting (22.2% of complaints), service brakes (22.2% of complaints), engine (11.1% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 BMW 2 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 BMW 2 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own 2 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 2 SERIES and 2 SERIES GRAN.