2021 BMW 330i Ticking Noise from A-Pillar Area
A known issue for the 2021 BMW 330i, 330e, and M340i involves a ticking noise emanating from the A-pillar and side mirror area, especially when driving at speeds around 40 MPH. BMW has released a manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID 10188940, to provide guidance on this concern.
Also applies to
- BMW 330e
- 2021
- BMW M340i
- 2021
Symptoms
Owners of certain 2021 BMW models, including the 330i, may notice a distinct ticking noise. This sound is reported to come from the A-pillar area and/or the side mirror. The 2021 BMW 330i ticking noise is most prominent when the vehicle is traveling at approximately 40 MPH.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
The primary condition for experiencing this issue is driving at moderate speeds. Specifically, the ticking noise becomes noticeable when the vehicle reaches speeds around 40 MPH. This suggests a potential vibration or resonance issue that manifests under specific driving conditions.
Repair Procedure Summary
BMW has issued a manufacturer communication, identified as NHTSA ID 10188940, to address the "TICKING NOISE FROM A-PILLAR AREA." This communication provides guidance to dealerships on how to diagnose and resolve this specific concern. While the exact repair steps are not detailed in the public summary, it indicates that BMW has a recommended procedure for technicians to follow.
Owner Action
If you own a 2021 BMW 330i, 330e, or M340i and are experiencing a ticking noise from the A-pillar or side mirror area, especially around 40 MPH, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW service center. Inform them about the 2021 BMW 330i ticking noise and mention manufacturer communication NHTSA ID 10188940. They will be able to perform the necessary diagnostics and apply the recommended fix.
Source: NHTSA ID 10188940
What BMW 330i owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 16 model years.
- 818
- Owner complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 863
- Service bulletins
- 30
- Crashes reported
- 38
- Fires reported
- 36
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
29 complaints, the 10th most of 16 model years on file. Owners reported 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury for this year, which also has 7 recalls on file.
Visibility and Structure, the system this article covers, accounts for 39 of 818 complaints (5%), including 1 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2001 | 116 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 45 | |
| 2003 | 77 | |
| 2004 | 113 | |
| 2006 | 219 | |
| 2017 | 42 | |
| 2018 | 32 | |
| 2019 | 41 | |
| 2020 | 53 | |
| 2021 | 29 |
Most-reported systems
- Air Bags — 246
- Exterior Lighting — 153
- Electrical System — 132
- Engine — 89
- Power Train — 44
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
- 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
- 23V584000 — Electrical System (Aug 2023)
Recent owner reports about visibility and structure
While I was driving down the highway, sunroof has exploded without any apparent reason. I really didn’t realize what had happened at first, all I heard was a loud bang which could’ve lead to distraction and cause an accident.
Read owner complaints →My sunroof exploded randomly, without warning as I was traveling on the highway at approximately 65 MPH. There was no impact from an object. The cloth cover beneath the sunroof was fully intact and undamaged after the incident.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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