2021 BMW M3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2021 BMW M3 has a complaint index of 35, with 3 complaints and 3 recalls covering seat belts and brakes. It ranks 12th worst out of 18 model years, placing it in the middle of the pack for reported problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #12 of 18 M3 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 BMW M3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags1 (33%)
- Other1 (33%)
- Seat Belts1 (33%)
- Steering1 (33%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a dashboard message reading "passenger restraint system malfunction" appearing while driving.
- Owners describe loud clunking and creaking noises coming from the front suspension.
- The suspension noise was reported on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
2021 BMW M3 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V554000Jul 21, 2021Seat Belts21,537 vehicles
Seat belts
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."
Risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
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).
- NHTSA 21V298000Apr 28, 2021Seat Belts12 vehicles
Seat belts:front:buckle assembly
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.
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
- NHTSA 21V062000Feb 10, 2021Brakes893 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic
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 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
2021 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other M3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 BMW M3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 M3 has a complaint index of 35 and ranks 12th worst of 18 model years, indicating moderate reported problems compared to other M3 years.
- Does the 2021 BMW M3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2021 M3, covering seat belt retractor and buckle connection issues and a brake system replacement shared with other BMW models.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 BMW M3?
- Airbags is listed as the top problem area, though it accounts for only one of the three total complaints, tied evenly with seat belts, steering, and suspension issues.
- How does the 2021 M3 compare to other M3 years?
- With a complaint index of 35, the 2021 M3 falls between the high-index years like 2008 (100) and 2009 (94) and the lower-index years like 2014 (6) and 2017 (18).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 BMW M3?
- The EPA rates the 2021 M3 at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200.