Recall 21V091 affects 14,011 2020-2021 BMW M235I and 228I vehicles for an automatic sunroof closing defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 14,011 2020-2021 228I and M235I vehicles because the sunroof can keep closing after the driver starts automatic closure and the key status changes to off or lock. That can increase injury risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The sunroof on 2020-2021 BMW M235I and 228I vehicles is a powered glass panel controlled by the roof switch and vehicle software. That software decides when the sunroof opens, closes, stops, and reverses if it detects an obstruction. Under the federal power-window standard, closing behavior must respond correctly when the key status changes to off or lock.
On affected vehicles, BMW used sunroof operation software for the ECE market in U.S. production. Because of that coding, if the driver starts automatic sunroof closing and then changes the key status to off or lock, the sunroof can continue closing instead of stopping as the U.S. rule requires. The defect is a programming issue, not a broken glass panel or motor.
There is no special dashboard warning before this compliance problem. BMW says the vehicles still have an automatic reversal, or anti-trap, function that helps reduce injury risk if the sunroof meets an obstruction while closing.
Who's affected?
Spans M235I and 228I cars across the 2020 and 2021 model years, with both sunroof and power-window control programming listed.
| 2021 BMW M235I | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW M235I | visibility component |
| 2020 BMW 228I | visibility component |
| 2020 BMW 228I | visibility component |
| 2020 BMW M235I | visibility component |
| 2020 BMW M235I | visibility component |
| 2021 BMW 228I | visibility component |
| 2021 BMW 228I | visibility component |
| Units affected | 14,011 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sunroof that keeps closing after the vehicle is shut off raises the risk of injury to a hand, arm, or finger in the opening. The automatic reversal function helps reduce that risk, but it is not the repair. Schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 BMW M235I or 228I is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free sunroof software update that stops the sunroof from continuing to close after shutdown.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V091 when you call.
- Avoid starting automatic sunroof closure when shutting off or locking the vehicle until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the sunroof electronic coding software so the automatic closure logic follows the recall remedy. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket work already paid for this condition is handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the authorized BMW center how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 18, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 18, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 12, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 16, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V091?
Recall 21V091 covers 14,011 2020-2021 BMW M235I and 228I vehicles with sunroof software that lets the sunroof keep closing after the vehicle is turned off or locked. That closing action increases injury risk. BMW dealers update the sunroof electronic coding software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 BMW M235I or 228I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V091. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the sunroof electronic coding software update. Reference recall number 21V091 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V091, BMW dealers update the sunroof electronic coding software free of charge. BMW customer service is available at 1-800-525-7417.
What is the safety risk with the BMW sunroof recall?
The risk is injury from a sunroof that keeps closing after the vehicle is turned off or locked. Recall 21V091 involves a power-operated window system compliance issue, not a do-not-drive order. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a BMW dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V091000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V091 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V091000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →