Recall 21V176 affects 1,850 2021 BMW 430I and M440I 4 Series convertibles for incorrect head-thorax air bag deployment. Software update is free at BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 1,850 2021 M440I and 430I 4 Series Convertible vehicles under recall 21V176 because the head-thorax air bag does not deploy as intended in certain side-impact crashes. Incorrect deployment can increase the risk of injury, and BMW dealers will repair the air bag system free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The head-thorax air bag in the 2021 BMW M440I and 430I Convertible is part of the side air bag system. In a side impact, it is supposed to inflate beside the seat area and help cushion the occupant's head and upper torso. That timing matters because the air bag has to be in place as the body moves toward the side of the vehicle.
On affected vehicles, the problem is in the deployment timing, not a torn bag or a missing part. The control software does not command the head-thorax air bag at the intended moment in certain side impact collisions. In that crash type, the bag can fail to deploy as intended, reducing the protection BMW designed into the side air bag system.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up only during the crash event, so an owner would not hear, feel, or see a normal driving symptom that points to this timing problem.
Who's affected?
Both listed models carry separate head and thorax side air bag component labels.
| 2021 BMW M440I | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW M440I | side air bag |
| 2021 BMW 430I | side air bag |
| 2021 BMW 430I | side air bag |
| Units affected | 1,850 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrectly deploying air bag can increase injury risk in a crash because the restraint system does not deploy as intended. If your VIN is included, schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 BMW M440I or 430I is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free software update that corrects the side-impact air bag deployment problem.
- Reference recall number 21V176 when you call, since BMW said affected vehicles were in dealer inventory and no owner letters were mailed.
- Ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer cannot confirm the recall status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the vehicle software so the head-thorax air bag deploys as intended in the covered side-impact crash condition. The software update and labor are free under the recall. BMW's general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related software correction before the recall, contact BMW customer service with documentation and ask how the plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V176?
Recall 21V176 covers 1,850 2021 BMW M440I and 430I 4 Series Convertible vehicles with side-impact air bag software that can keep the head-thorax air bag from deploying as intended. BMW dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2021 BMW M440I or 430I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific convertible is included in recall 21V176. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the air bag software update. Reference recall number 21V176 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will update the affected air bag software at no charge. Any franchised BMW dealer can perform the recall repair.
Is it safe to drive my BMW before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is still real: in certain side-impact crashes, the head-thorax air bag can deploy incorrectly, increasing injury risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free BMW dealer software update.
Why did BMW not mail owner letters for recall 21V176?
BMW said the affected vehicles were in dealer inventory when the recall began on March 9, 2021, so no owner letters were mailed. If you bought a 2021 BMW M440I or 430I used, check your VIN and call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V176000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V176 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V176000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →