VehicleVerdict

2020 BMW 228i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2020 BMW 228i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other 228i years?

228i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted30 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 30 complaints2020: 6 complaints2021: 9 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 0 complaints
228i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 228i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 BMW 228i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels233%
Electrical System117%
Other117%
Suspension117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2020 BMW 228i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V584000Electrical SystemAugust 16, 2023 · 144 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

21V091000Visibility & WipersFebruary 18, 2021 · 14,011 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I GOT MY CAR IN MAY 2020. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE WITH THE TIRE FOR 8 YEARS OF MY ENTIRE DRIVING HISTORY. BUT FOR THIS CAR, MY TIRE RAN FLAT IN JULY 2020, AFTER RUNNING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE ON A LOCAL ROAD, AND IT RAN FLAT AGAIN IN JAN 2021 AFTER RUNNING A SUPER TINY POTHOLE ON A HIGHWAY. HOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 20, 2020

“1/8/2025 Drive Train Malfunction. Towed to BMW Dealer. Dealership determined a faulty GWS system, Program new system, New center console and battery drained needs replaced. I was told by the dealership this not normal for a vehicle with 22k miles . BMW North Amaerica told me the repair Manager said…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 8, 2025

“A towing company came to pick up the car. They may have damaged the carriage/axel based on the tire mark they left on our drive way. The lines were not straight and it looks like they dragged the car. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 31, 2025

“A towing company came to pick up the car. They may have damaged the carriage/axel based on the tire mark they left on our drive way. The lines were not straight and it looks like they dragged the car. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 31, 2025

“1/8/2025 Drive Train Malfunction. Towed to BMW Dealer. Dealership determined a faulty GWS system, Program new system, New center console and battery drained needs replaced. I was told by the dealership this not normal for a vehicle with 22k miles . BMW North Amaerica told me the repair Manager said…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2025

2020 BMW 228i — common questions

Is the 2020 BMW 228i reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 BMW 228i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 BMW 228i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 228i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 228i years to avoid are 2016, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among 228i years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.