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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2017–2026

BMW 230i recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 32 owner complaints for the BMW 230i, covering model years 2017 to 2026. The 2017 model year drew the most complaints (11), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW 230i VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 32 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 10 model years with data (2017–2026)
  • most complaints: 2017 (11 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (8 complaints)
  • latest recall 26V056000 (reported Jan 30, 2026)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a fire (6.3%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 230i complaints by model year

10 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2017 model year has the most complaints: 11 of 32, or 34.4%. Next come 2018 (4) and 2022 (4). The fewest are for 2026, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW 230i owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2017–2026Column chart of 32 complaints across 10 model years. The highest is 2017 with 11. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2017: 11 complaints1120172018: 4 complaints420182019: 1 complaint120192020: 2 complaints220202021: 1 complaint120212022: 4 complaints420222023: 4 complaints420232024: 3 complaints320242025: 1 complaint120252026: 1 complaint12026
BMW 230i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW 230i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2017110100
201840000
201910000
202020000
202110000
202240000
202340000
202430100
202510000
202610000
All model years320200

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW 230i components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 8 complaints (25.0% of all 32), followed by Electrical System (7) and Back Over Prevention (4).

Components named most often in BMW 230i complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW 230i complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine825.0%
Electrical System721.9%
Back Over Prevention412.5%
Tires412.5%
Unknown or Other39.4%
Forward Collision Avoidance26.3%
Lane Departure26.3%
Wheels26.3%
Air Bags13.1%
Engine and Engine Cooling13.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System13.1%
Latches/Locks/Linkages13.1%
Parking Brake13.1%
Power Train13.1%
Steering13.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW 230i recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 230i, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 2018 to 2024. The 2023 model year appears in the most campaigns (3).

  • 10 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Park Outside” advisory
BMW 230i recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2018: 2 campaigns2019: 1 campaign
2020: 1 campaign2021: 2 campaigns2022: 2 campaigns2023: 3 campaigns2024: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 26V056000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Starter Assembly

    Model years 2022–2023

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

    Consequence:
    Fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 25V636000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay

    Model year 2022

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

    Consequence:
    A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 23V770000

    Reported

    Steering

    Model year 2024

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 2 Series Coupe (230i), 330i, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i vehicles. The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.

    Consequence:
    A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 23V099000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model year 2023

    BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive, M2), and 2022-2023 Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. When the digital key is removed from the vehicle, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software may still allow the power windows and sunroof to be closed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."

    Consequence:
    Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated with new software. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 23V039000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model year 2023

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i XDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive) vehicles. The second-row seat backrest cover panels for the side air bags may break during deployment of the side air bags.

    Consequence:
    A backrest cover panel that breaks during side air bag deployment may cause the air bag to deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury to second-row seat occupants.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 21V554000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2021

    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."

    Consequence:
    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).

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 21V342000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model year 2021

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 BMW 230i and M240i vehicles. Supports within the roof liner may be insecurely attached.

    Consequence:
    The support may separate from the roof liner and fall into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash necessitating the deployment of the head air bag.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the roof liner as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be sent. The one owner was notified on June 15, 2021 by telephone and the vehicle has been repaired. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 19V352000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Knee Bolster

    Model years 2019–2020

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.

    Consequence:
    An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 18V465000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 2018

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.

    Consequence:
    A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 17V719000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2018

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

    Consequence:
    If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW 230i questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 230i have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 230i, covering model years 2017 to 2026. The most recent, 26V056000, was reported on January 30, 2026 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2023 model year is covered by the most campaigns (3).

Which BMW 230i model year has the most complaints?

The 2017 model year, with 11 of the 32 complaints in NHTSA’s file (34.4%). The next are 2018 (4) and 2022 (4). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW 230i complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 8 complaints, or 25.0% of all 32. Electrical System (7) and Back Over Prevention (4) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW 230i?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW 230i complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 32 complaints, 0 report a crash, 2 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.