2021 BMW 228I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 BMW 228I: 3 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass), Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #21V091000 · 2021 · 14,011 vehicles
What's wrong: If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof May continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 118, "power-operated window systems."
Why it matters: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it May increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V554000 · 2021 · 21,537 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Electrical, Seat belts Vehicle recall #23V584000 · 2023 · 144 vehicles
What's wrong: The receiver audio module control unit software May fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 BMW 228I has 8 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 8 228I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 7). Complaints peaked in 2026 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 40,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (3 complaints, 2 recalls), 2022 (3 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 BMW 228I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 BMW 228I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 BMW 228I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 BMW 228I problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (2), electrical (2), brakes (2).
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW 228I get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 BMW 228I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.