MotorDeets

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.

2vehicle recalls
1owner complaints
0mention a crash
28best combined mpg
2021 BMW 230I
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Latches & locks1

What owners describe

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)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive253228Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive233327Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive213225Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive213024Premium

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.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2021 BMW 230I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2021 BMW 230I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2021 BMW 230I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2021 BMW 230I manual

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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.

Other 230I years

2017201820192020202120222023202420252026