2021 BMW M Models High-Performance Brake Noise
BMW has issued a manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID: 10201141) regarding brake noise in 2021 M models equipped with high-performance M Compound or M Carbon Ceramic brakes. This document explains that the noise is a side effect of the resilient materials used for optimal braking performance and…
Also applies to
- BMW M2
- 2021
- BMW M3
- 2021
- BMW M4
- 2021
- BMW M5
- 2021
- BMW M8
- 2021
- BMW X4
- 2021
- BMW X5
- 2021
- BMW X6
- 2021
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Owners of certain 2021 BMW M models, including the 2021 BMW X3, may notice brake noise during operation. This is addressed in a manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID: 10201141, which clarifies the nature of this characteristic for high-performance braking systems.
Symptoms
The primary symptom owners might experience is audible "brake noise" coming from the vehicle's braking system. This noise is typically heard during braking events.
What Owners Should Know
BMW's communication explains that the M Compound and M Carbon Ceramic brakes, which are standard or optional equipment on M models, are high-performance systems. These brakes are specifically engineered for sporty and dynamic driving styles, prioritizing the highest possible braking performance.
As a direct result of using extremely resilient materials to achieve this performance, brake noise can occur. This noise is considered a side effect of the advanced design and materials. The manufacturer communication advises that customers should be informed that their braking performance and driving style can influence whether these noises occur or how quickly they dissipate. This information is crucial for any 2021 BMW X3 manufacturer_communication regarding brake performance.
Owner Action
If you own a 2021 BMW M model and experience brake noise, it's important to understand that this may be a normal characteristic of your vehicle's high-performance braking system. While the communication doesn't suggest a repair, it highlights that driving style can play a role in the manifestation of these noises. For any concerns about your 2021 BMW X3 manufacturer_communication, consult with your authorized BMW service center.
Source: NHTSA ID: 10201141
What BMW X3 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 23 model years.
- 2,295
- Owner complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 1,126
- Service bulletins
- 114
- Crashes reported
- 133
- Fires reported
- 118
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
113 complaints, the 8th most of 23 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.
Service Brakes and Hydraulic, the system this article covers, accounts for 121 of 2,295 complaints (5%), including 6 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2004 | 138 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 143 | |
| 2007 | 258 | |
| 2008 | 122 | |
| 2011 | 126 | |
| 2013 | 226 | |
| 2015 | 105 | |
| 2019 | 171 | |
| 2020 | 110 | |
| 2021 | 113 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 494
- Electrical System — 450
- Air Bags — 404
- Power Train — 247
- Seats — 218
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
- 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
- 24V764000 — Structure (Oct 2024)
Recent owner reports about service brakes and hydraulic
Vehicle has consistently presented with a loud screeching noise from the brakes. When emergency braking needed, there are incidents of a slipping feel to the brakes where they do not seem as through they are applying properly.
Read owner complaints →The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while approaching a stop light at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal stiffened while the contact was attempting to stop the vehicle.
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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