2021 BMW 230I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 BMW 230I: 2 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 28 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #21V342000 · 2021 · 2 vehicles
What's wrong: Supports within the roof liner May be insecurely attached.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
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.
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
- Latches & locks (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 BMW 230I has 1 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 10 230I model years for complaints (well below the 4 average). Neighboring years: 2020 (2 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (4 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | 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 230I.
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 230I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 BMW 230I. 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 230I problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are latches & locks (1).
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW 230I get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 BMW 230I 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.