Most common 2021 BMW 330e problems
Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 330e complaints by model year
Best 330e years: 2021. Compare all years →
2021 BMW 330e recalls (5)
Seat belts
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…
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.
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021.
Back over prevention › Software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 BMW 330e:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2021 BMW 330e owners say
Engine & cooling
In Buford GA at the corner of Elm Tree Terrace and Buford Dam road, I was waiting for the light to turn on a decline. It is important to note that the car was driving in all-electric mode on a full charge. Once the light turned green I stepped on the accelerator to go and the car stalled. I believe the transmission slipped. The gears caught at high torque and jolted the car involuntarily forward. I didn't notice it at first but after a couple of sleepless nights with shoulder pain: I got an MRI and was found to have a torn rotator cuff. It is difficult to associate the injury as it is hard to access the force applied to the jolt. The only word I can use to describe the force of the jolt was violent. I believe there is a safety issue when a high torque electric motor is being run through a slipping or failing transmission and I suspect as a result I have suffered a injury as a result.
I am getting error code 21A50A and 216115 which Starter Overheating that can cause fire. Similar error code were coming on other cars and BMW have recalled it the recall number is 26V056. I ask BMW and NHTSA to include 330E in this recall as 330E is similar to 330I. 330I and 330E uses same parts and similar design and excluding the 330E from this recall doesn't make sense.
2021 BMW 330e engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 BMW 330e a good car?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 330e rates few complaints: 17% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 330e at the same age. It is one of the best 330e years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW 330e?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 75% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 330e have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2021 BMW 330e, the most recent from July 21, 2021 (seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 330e?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021. See the full BMW 330e years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.