repaired · 2025 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
2021 BMW 228iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2021 BMW 228i, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-584 the manufacturer reports only 91% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 26, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 BMW 228i has problems
8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Exterior lighting
2Service brakes
2Electrical system
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Lane departure
1Power train
1Visibility
1Engine
1Forward collision avoidance
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2021 BMW 228i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Seat belts
Risk. During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Visibility: power window devices and controls
Risk. If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other 228i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 228i median. How we score
'14'15'16'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 228i owners report
Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Own a 2021 228i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.