2020 BMW 228I Complaints and Recall Information
The 2020 BMW 228I has 2 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to the drive train and electrical system malfunctions. Both complaints involved a faulty GWS system causing safety concerns and battery drain without clear cause attributed by the dealership.
Common Issues
- Drive train malfunction. Vehicles towed to dealers due to faulty GWS system requiring reprogramming and replacement of the center console and battery.
- Electrical system failure. Battery drainage coinciding with GWS system faults, impacting vehicle safety systems.
There are four recalls affecting several systems including the electrical software and the sunroof closing mechanism. These recalls address safety risks related to occupant protection and potential injury from power-operated windows.
Recalls
- Receiver audio module software (NHTSA 23V584000). Affects 144 vehicles. The software may fail to generate proper audible seat belt warnings, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will update the software free of charge. No "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" advisory applies.
- Seat belts (NHTSA 23V584000). Applies to same 144 vehicles as above. Audible seat belt warning failure linked to occupant crash protection noncompliance. Free software update by dealership.
- Sunroof assembly (NHTSA 21V091000). Impacts 14,011 vehicles. The sunroof may continue closing after vehicle shut off or locked, increasing injury risk. Dealers will update sunroof electronic coding software at no charge. No immediate driving restrictions.
- Power window controls (NHTSA 21V091000). Same 14,011 vehicles as above. Defect same as sunroof recall regarding continued closure post vehicle shutdown, raising injury concerns. Dealer repair involves electronic coding update.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs related to drive train or electrical malfunctions or those affected by multiple recalls may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a legal professional to understand these rights is advised when repairs or safety issues remain unresolved.
2020 BMW 228I Summary
2020
Model Year
2
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
14155
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2020 BMW 228I
144 vehicles affected
SEAT BELTS
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."
Risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
2020 BMW 228I
14011 vehicles affected
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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."
Risk: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.
Complaints
2020 BMW 228I
ID: 2092988POWER TRAIN
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 the faults were caused by moisture in the cup holder. Shocked as the BMW Repair Manager did not tell me this was the cause, Did not inform me moisture in the cup holder caused major havoc on a safety System. Nothing had been spilled or leaked into my cup holders.
2020 BMW 228I
ID: 2092987ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 the faults were caused by moisture in the cup holder. Shocked as the BMW Repair Manager did not tell me this was the cause, Did not inform me moisture in the cup holder caused major havoc on a safety System. Nothing had been spilled or leaked into my cup holders.