ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
2021 BMW 530I
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 25V636000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 BMW 530I, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and airbags categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 173 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 4 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 5 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 6 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 8 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 9 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 10 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 11 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 12 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 13 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 14 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 | 16 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 17 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical423.5%
- Driver assistance317.6%
- Airbags211.8%
- Engine211.8%
- Fuel system211.8%
- Visibility15.9%
- Interior & seats15.9%
- Brakes15.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
8 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The recall 25V-636 remains unresolved after more than 6 month passed since the manufacturer issued the campaign regarding the engine starter. I would like to see the NHTSA to put the manufacturer on notice that this is unacceptable. We cannot park the vehicle outside of structures permanently as this devalues the vehicle and creates a loss of use.
- NHTSA ID
- 11736037
- Incident
- May 6, 2026
I have a 2021 BMW 530i. VIN [XXX] . I brought my vehicle to Pompano Beach BMW and Coconut Creek BMW in Florida. They said both my motor mounts have collapsed. I have discussed the matter with other experts and mechanics, and been told the failure of motor mounts is a serious safety issue and vehicle defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11726067
- Incident
- Mar 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11725600
- Incident
- Sep 23, 2025
Good afternoon, I am writing regarding the recall affecting my BMW 2021 530i, VIN [XXX] . While I understand the importance of safety recalls, this issue has had a direct and measurable impact on the market value of my vehicle. Due to the recall, I have received reduced trade-in and resale offers, with dealers explicitly citing the recall as a reason for depreciation. This loss in value persists regardless of whether the recall remedy has been completed. I am therefore requesting compensation ($6000) for the depreciation caused by this recall, or financial adjustment or trade in. Please open a case on my behalf and advise on the next steps. I would appreciate this matter being reviewed by a regional case manager if necessary. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11710100
- Incident
- Jan 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The contact called a local dealer several times and was advised that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11702557
- Incident
- Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the remote starter of the vehicle had failed to function as intended, and the key fob was inoperable. The contact replaced the key fob battery three times, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the brakes replaced, the mechanic informed the contact of the remote starter failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the brakes had been replaced three times. The independent mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11701909
- Incident
- Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with motor mount failure. There was an abnormal pulling sound detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke with two experts and was informed that the failure should not have occurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11667076
- Incident
- Jun 15, 2025
- Mileage
- 60,000 mi
I have a code Passanger restraint failure that will not come off unless I pay $2700 to fix. This coding came on after 3 months of getting the vehicle and I’m not the only with the same issue. This is a dangerous situation that Bmw is not recalling but putting this as the owners expense. If I were to get in an accident this will not deploy airbags or open the seat belt this can cause sever injuries or worst death.
- NHTSA ID
- 11643861
- Incident
- Feb 20, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
STRUCTURE:BODY
A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving over rough roadsor during body flex. This situation may be worse in vehicles which are regularly waxed in th e area of the door jamb.
STRUCTURE:BODY
A check control message is displayed, indicating that the parking assistance systems have limitedfunctionality due to errors detected within PDC sensors. The warning indicates parking assistance featureshave limited functionality while the errors continue to be detected. Following faults may be stored 8031BA Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Side Left Software Error 8031CO Ultrasonic Sensor Rear outer left Software Error 8031AE Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Outer Right Software Error 8031A8 Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Side Right Software Error 8031B4 Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Middle Right Software Error 8031C6 Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Middle Left Software Error 8031CD Ultrasonic Sensor Voltage Supply Sensors Back: Short Circuit 8031CC Ultrasonic Sensor Voltage Supply Front: Short Circuit 8031CA Ultrasonic Sensors Front Extraneous Noise
ENGINE
The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off thecoolant pump and alternator.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion engine and starter generator torn And/or one or more of the following other issues are also occurring: Noise in the area of the belt drive. Odor from the engine compartment. Smoke formation in the area of the belt drive. Drive belt damaged or prematurely worn. Torn drive belt.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 63.9 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 8 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2021Viewing | 17 | 8 | 0 | 58.4 |
| 2020 | 9 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 57.7 |
| 2018 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 44.2 |
| 2017 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 56.6 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2011 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2010 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2009 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2007 | 73 | 2 | 0 | 49.7 |
| 2006 | 84 | 3 | 0 | 48.8 |
| 2005 | 58 | 0 | 2 | 41.7 |
| 2004 | 129 | 0 | 1 | 48.0 |
| 2003 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 50.2 |
| 2002 | 29 | 4 | 0 | 55.5 |
| 2001 | 25 | 4 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 9 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1993 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1991 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1990 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1989 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.