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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2014–2022

BMW M235i recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 19 owner complaints for the BMW M235i, covering model years 2014 to 2022. The 2016 model year drew the most complaints (8), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW M235i VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 5 recall campaigns on file
  • 19 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2014–2022)
  • most complaints: 2016 (8 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (4 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V871000 (reported Dec 17, 2025)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW M235i complaints by model year

4 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2016 model year has the most complaints: 8 of 19, or 42.1%. Next come 2014 (5) and 2015 (5). The fewest are for 2022, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW M235i owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2014–2022Column chart of 19 complaints across 9 model years. The highest is 2016 with 8. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2014: 5 complaints520142015: 5 complaints520152016: 8 complaints820162017: 0 complaints20172018: 0 complaints20182019: 0 complaints20192020: 0 complaints20202021: 0 complaints20212022: 1 complaint12022
BMW M235i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW M235i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201450000
201550000
201680000
202210000
All model years190000

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW M235i components

top 14 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 4 complaints (21.1% of all 19), followed by Exterior Lighting (3) and Power Train (3).

Components named most often in BMW M235i complaints (top 14)
Components named most often in BMW M235i complaints (top 14)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System421.1%
Exterior Lighting315.8%
Power Train315.8%
Air Bags210.5%
Engine210.5%
Seat Belts210.5%
Unknown or Other210.5%
Fuel System, Gasoline15.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System15.3%
Seats15.3%
Service Brakes15.3%
Structure15.3%
Tires15.3%
Visibility/Wiper15.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW M235i recalls

5 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name M235i, newest first. The 5 campaigns cover model years 2014 to 2021. The 2014 model year appears in the most campaigns (3).

  • 5 recall campaigns
BMW M235i recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2014: 3 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: no campaigns2017: no campaigns2018: no campaigns2019: no campaigns
2020: 1 campaign2021: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V871000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window › Head

    Model years 2014–2015

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

    Consequence:
    An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 24V288000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model years 2014–2015

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

    Consequence:
    An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 21V554000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2021

    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 (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. 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."

    Consequence:
    During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 21V091000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly; Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model years 2020–2021

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. 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."

    Consequence:
    If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V189000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2014

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW M235i questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW M235i have?

NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW M235i, covering model years 2014 to 2022. The most recent, 25V871000, was reported on December 17, 2025 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2014 model year is covered by the most campaigns (3).

Which BMW M235i model year has the most complaints?

The 2016 model year, with 8 of the 19 complaints in NHTSA’s file (42.1%). The next are 2014 (5) and 2015 (5). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW M235i complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 4 complaints, or 21.1% of all 19. Exterior Lighting (3) and Power Train (3) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW M235i?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW M235i complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 19 complaints, 0 report a crash, 0 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.