What year BMW M340i should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2020 and 2021 BMW M340i. The 2020 model has a complaint index of 100 with 53 complaints, and the 2021 model has a complaint index of 75 with 11 complaints.

Is the 2020 BMW M340i reliable?

The 2020 M340i has the highest reported problem rate in the lineup, with a complaint index of 100 and 53 NHTSA complaints, 79% of which involve the engine, plus 10 recall campaigns.

Which BMW M340i year is best?

No M340i model year in this dataset is marked as a best year. 2022 is listed as a caution year, and 2019 and 2023 have zero recorded complaints but are not rated as best.

Does the BMW M340i have engine problems?

Yes. Engine issues are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 50 of 71 total complaints (70%), concentrated most heavily in 2020 and 2021.

Are there recalls on the BMW M340i?

Yes, NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns across the 2019-2023 M340i, including engine software updates, audio module fixes, and seat frame replacements.

BMW M340i Best and Worst Years (2019–2023)

Avoid the 2020 and 2021 BMW M340i. 2020 has the highest complaint index (100) with 53 complaints, 79% engine-related, and 10 recalls. 2021 follows with a complaint index of 75 and 6 recalls. 2022 is a caution year; no year is rated best.

Avoid 2020 Avoid 2021

Model years: 5; 2019–2023
NHTSA complaints: 71
Recall campaigns: 14
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Engine

M340i Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW M340i problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2019	No verdict	0	0	5	—	—	—
2020	Avoid	100	53	10	Engine	25	—
2021	Avoid	75	11	6	Engine	25.5	—
2022	Caution	50	7	1	Steering	26	—
2023	No verdict	25	0	1	—	26	—

M340i years to avoid: what went wrong

2020 BMW M340i Index 100 · 53 complaints · 10 recalls

The 2020 M340i has the most reported problems of any year in this lineup, with 53 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Engine issues dominate, making up 79% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 52,757. Owners describe oil pump failures and low oil warnings tied to the N58/B58 engine. Electrical system complaints (11%) surfaced at a median of 28,162 miles, and suspension/tire complaints, including run-flat tire blowouts, appeared around 15,000 miles. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this year, covering engine software, the audio module, and seat frames.

2020 engine problems →

2021 BMW M340i Index 75 · 11 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2021 M340i carries a complaint index of 75, the second-highest in the lineup, despite a lower complaint count of 11. Engine problems account for 64% of complaints, including reports of excessively low oil levels traced back to the valve cover area. Transmission and powertrain complaints made up 27%, with a median mileage at failure of 4,000, including a reported water pump pulley failure that caused a loss of steering control mid-turn. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year, including the audio module software issue and seat frame replacement.

Most common BMW M340i problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine50 (70%)
Other10 (14%)
Electrical System9 (13%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (8%)
Transmission & Powertrain6 (8%)
Fuel System4 (6%)
Brakes3 (4%)
Steering3 (4%)
Airbags1 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW M340i should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2020 and 2021 BMW M340i. The 2020 model has a complaint index of 100 with 53 complaints, and the 2021 model has a complaint index of 75 with 11 complaints.
Is the 2020 BMW M340i reliable?: The 2020 M340i has the highest reported problem rate in the lineup, with a complaint index of 100 and 53 NHTSA complaints, 79% of which involve the engine, plus 10 recall campaigns.
Which BMW M340i year is best?: No M340i model year in this dataset is marked as a best year. 2022 is listed as a caution year, and 2019 and 2023 have zero recorded complaints but are not rated as best.
Does the BMW M340i have engine problems?: Yes. Engine issues are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 50 of 71 total complaints (70%), concentrated most heavily in 2020 and 2021.
Are there recalls on the BMW M340i?: Yes, NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns across the 2019-2023 M340i, including engine software updates, audio module fixes, and seat frame replacements.