Owner report · 2021 model year

2021 BMW 8 Series

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Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

No complaints reported

No complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model-year.

Complaints filed fell from 4 in 2020 to 0 in 2021.

Data last changed Nov 7, 2026. Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

At a glance

NHTSA complaints: 0
Recall campaigns: 5
EPA fuel cost per year: $3,100–$3,850
Combined MPG: 20–25

There are no NHTSA complaints on file for this model year.

Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2021: 2 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	vs. 2021 Subcompact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)	3,850	3,100–3,350	3,100–3,850	3,100–4,050	3,200–4,050
Combined MPG	20	23–25	20–25	19–25	19–24
City / Highway MPG	17–18 / 25–26	20–23 / 27–30	17–23 / 25–30	17–23 / 24–30	17–21 / 24–29
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)	433–434	347–388	347–439	347–454	373–457
Complaints filed	9	4	0	7	0	Not compared
Recalls issued	2	6	5	2	4	Not compared
Crash-involved complaints	1	0	0	0	0	Not compared
Fire-involved complaints	0	0	0	0	0	Not compared
Injuries reported	0	0	0	0	0	Not compared
Deaths reported	0	0	0	0	0	Not compared
Configurations compared	2	4	5	6	6

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 8 Series have?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW 8 Series get?

EPA rates it 20–25 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 BMW 8 Series?

EPA estimates $3,100–$3,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

Similar Vehicles

EPA-Rated Configurations (7)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
Configuration	Transmission	Cylinders	Displacement	Drivetrain	Fuel Type	Vehicle Class	City	Highway	Combined	Annual Fuel Cost	CO₂
Configuration 1	Automatic (S8)	6	3.0L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Premium	Subcompact Cars	23 mpg (high)	30 mpg (high)	25 mpg (high)	$3,100 (low)	347 g/mi (low)
Configuration 2	Automatic (S8)	6	3.0L	All-Wheel Drive	Premium	Subcompact Cars	20 mpg	27 mpg	23 mpg	$3,350	387 g/mi
Configuration 3	Automatic (S8)	6	3.0L	All-Wheel Drive	Premium	Subcompact Cars	20 mpg	27 mpg	23 mpg	$3,350	387 g/mi
Configuration 4	Automatic (S8)	6	3.0L	All-Wheel Drive	Premium	Midsize Cars	20 mpg	27 mpg	23 mpg	$3,350	387 g/mi
Configuration 5	Automatic (S8)	6	3.0L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Premium	Subcompact Cars	22 mpg	29 mpg	25 mpg (high)	$3,100 (low)	360 g/mi
Configuration 6	Automatic (S8)	6	3.0L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Premium	Midsize Cars	22 mpg	29 mpg	25 mpg (high)	$3,100 (low)	360 g/mi
Configuration 7	Automatic (S8)	8	4.4L	All-Wheel Drive	Premium	Subcompact Cars	17 mpg (low)	25 mpg (low)	20 mpg (low)	$3,850 (high)	439 g/mi (high)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
Category	Complaints	Crash-Involved	Fire-Involved	Injuries	Deaths
Engine	0	0	0	0	0
Transmission & Drivetrain	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical	0	0	0	0	0
Brakes	0	0	0	0	0
Steering	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension, Wheels & Tires	0	0	0	0	0
Airbags & Restraints	0	0	0	0	0
Driver Assistance & Speed Control	0	0	0	0	0
Body, Seats & Latches	0	0	0	0	0
Visibility & Lighting	0	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0	0

Recalls (5)

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Campaign 26V525000 · Aug 12, 2026
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Campaign 25V644000 · Sep 25, 2025
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Consequence
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Campaign 21V096000 · Feb 19, 2021
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Campaign 21V062000 · Feb 10, 2021
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Consequence
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Campaign 20V761000 · Dec 9, 2020
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Consequence
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.