2021 BMW 330eProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2021 BMW 330e, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-096 the manufacturer reports only 96% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 2, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 BMW 330e has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine31
Electrical system20
Power train21
Fuel/propulsion system11
Service brakes10
Steering10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2021 BMW 330e 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.

96%repaired · 2023 Q2

Seat belts

Recall 21V-554 · Jul 21, 2021 · 21,537 vehicles · 20,780 repaired

Risk. During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2021 Q3

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 21V-298 · Apr 28, 2021 · 12 vehicles · 12 repaired

Risk. An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q1

Sensing system: camera

Recall 21V-096 · Feb 19, 2021 · 13,858 vehicles · 13,324 repaired

Risk. If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

99%repaired · 2022 Q3

Propulsion system: traction battery

Recall 20V-601 · Sep 30, 2020 · 4,509 vehicles · 4,484 repaired

Risk. The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
100%repaired · 2020 Q4

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 20V-490 · Aug 18, 2020 · 713 vehicles · 713 repaired

Risk. A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 330e 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 330e median. How we score

'16'17'18'20'21'22'23'24
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2021 BMW 330e safety ratings

2021 BMW 330e 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2021 BMW 330e, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What 330e owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I am getting error code 21A50A and 216115 which Starter Overheating that can cause fire. Similar error code were coming on other cars and BMW have recalled it the recall number is 26V056. I ask BMW and NHTSA to include 330E in this recall as 330E is similar to 330I. 330I and 330E uses same parts…
Complaint 11761564 · Sep 2, 2026
1. The engine starter motor (specifically the pinion starter) has failed, and the auxiliary battery is also showing reduced capacity (only a portion of its 660 cold cranking amps). The vehicle is currently at a service center where the technician has diagnosed these issues. The components should be…
Complaint 11720299 · Feb 24, 2026
In Buford GA at the corner of Elm Tree Terrace and Buford Dam road, I was waiting for the light to turn on a decline. It is important to note that the car was driving in all-electric mode on a full charge. Once the light turned green I stepped on the accelerator to go and the car stalled. I believe…
Complaint 11444952 · Dec 25, 2021

Own a 2021 330e?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.