NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 BMW M3 Safety Record
The 2021 BMW M3 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 BMW M3 has not undergone federal crash testing, leaving it without an assigned Safety Index score or NHTSA star ratings. The available federal record indicates a Light recall-and-complaint burden band, with three recall campaigns issued for this model year. Additionally, NHTSA has received three owner complaints. This data set exclusively reflects the documented safety record; it does not offer an assessment of the vehicle's crashworthiness.
The 2021 BMW M3 was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries three recall campaigns, and falls in the Light recall-and-complaint burden band according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 BMW M3?
For the 2021 BMW M3, federal crash-test data is absent; NHTSA performed no evaluations, and no comparable sibling years exist within the program's records. This leaves no starred benchmark for direct safety comparison. The model's "Light" recall-and-complaint burden band reflects a comparatively low volume of federal safety activity. Three recalls were issued: two addressed seat belt hardware, a concern BMW extended across several 2021 model lines, not just the M3. The third recall involved hydraulic brakes, a carryover issue from the 2020 model year. Owner complaints totaled three, with no reported crashes or injuries. However, this low complaint volume may also indicate the M3's limited production, rather than a definitive absence of problems. The burden band serves as an administrative metric of recall and complaint activity, not a substitute for crash-test performance.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 BMW M3 have any recalls?
The 2021 BMW M3 is named in three recall campaigns. Two target seat belts: one involves the front seat-belt buckle assembly bolt, and a second covers a broader seat-belt concern shared with other 2021 BMW models. The third addresses hydraulic service brakes on certain 2020-2021 8 Series vehicles that share production overlap. NHTSA has issued no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory specific to this model year in the data reviewed.
SEAT BELTS21V554000
Risk: 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).
Reported 2021-07-21
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY21V298000
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-04-28
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V062000
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-02-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 BMW M3?
Three owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 BMW M3, touching five components: Unknown or Other, Steering, Suspension, Air Bags, and Seat Belts. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are recorded among those reports. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations and have not been independently confirmed.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 BMW M3?
The 2021 BMW M3 was subject to a significant recall campaign involving its seat belt buckle assembly. Prospective buyers of any used 2021 M3 should verify through nhtsa.gov that all open recall repairs have been completed by a dealer.
- NHTSA issued no crash-test rating for the 2021 BMW M3, and no tested sibling model years exist in the federal program's record to serve as a proxy.
- One of the three 2021 recalls specifically names the M3 by model designation and concerns the bolt securing the front seat-belt buckle assembly, a direct occupant-restraint safety item.
- The hydraulic service brake recall covering certain 2020-2021 production vehicles may apply to this model year; owners should verify applicability through the NHTSA VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov.
- All three owner complaints on file are unverified allegations spanning Steering, Suspension, Air Bags, Seat Belts, and an Unknown category, with zero crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths recorded among them.
FAQ2021 BMW M3 safety questions
Was the 2021 BMW M3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW M3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 BMW M3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW M3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 BMW M3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW M3 2021.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.