US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

BMW 230i recall history

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the BMW 230i, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 10
Total Complaints 23
Years Covered 2017–2024

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the BMW 230i. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the BMW 230i, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Electrical

3 campaigns · Years: 2018, 2022–2023

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Airbags

2 campaigns · Years: 2019–2020, 2023

These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.

Official notices (evidence):

Engine and cooling

1 campaign · Years: 2018

These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Seats and restraints

1 campaign · Years: 2021

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):

Steering and suspension

1 campaign · Years: 2024

These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.

Official notices (evidence):

Structure

1 campaign · Years: 2021

These campaigns relate to structural components such as frame/body parts that can affect crash protection or integrity.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the BMW 230i in NHTSA complaint data are Engine, Back over prevention: rearview system braking, Wheels.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2024 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine.
2023 2 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Back over prevention: rearview system braking.
2022 1 6 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Back over prevention: rearview system braking, Lane departure: blind spot detection, Forward collision avoidance: warnings.
2021 2 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch.
2020 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility/wiper.
2019 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine.
2018 2 4 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Wheels.
2017 0 7 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Wheels, Parking brake, Power train.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Air bags , Electrical system and Steering

Show recall evidence by year

2024

  • Steering: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (23V770000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

2023

  • Air bags: Side/window: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (23V039000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.
  • Electrical system: Software: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (23V099000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

2022

  • Electrical system: Relay: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (25V636000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

2021

  • Structure: Roof and pillars: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (21V342000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 BMW 230i and M240i vehicles. Supports within the roof liner may be insecurely attached.
  • Seat belts: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (21V554000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

2020

  • Air bags: Knee bolster: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (19V352000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 as

2019

  • Air bags: Knee bolster: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (19V352000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 as

2018

  • Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (17V719000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 w
  • Engine and engine cooling: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (18V465000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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,

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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