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2021 BMW Dual Storage System Crash Shutdown Failure

BMW has issued a service action (NHTSA ID 10181229) for certain 2021 models regarding the Dual Storage System (DSS). In an accident, the DSS's internal relay may stick closed, preventing it from disconnecting from the electrical system and potentially posing a safety risk.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2021 BMW 330i
2021 BMW 330i — BMW Dual Storage System failure
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
BMW Dual Storage System failureNHTSA 10181229BMW electrical system faultDual Storage System relay stuckBMW DSS crash shutdownSERVICE ACTION - CHECKING THE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY2021 BMW 330i electricalBMW 330i DSS issueELECTRICAL SYSTEM2021 BMW M340i
BMW 330e
2021
BMW 740i
2021
BMW M340i
2021
BMW M760i
2021
BMW X5
2021
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2021
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BMW X7
2021

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

BMW has identified a safety concern with the Dual Storage System (DSS) in certain 2021 models. In the event of an accident, the DSS is designed to disconnect from the vehicle's electrical system via an internal relay. However, in some vehicles, this relay can become stuck in a closed position.

When the relay is stuck closed, a crash shutdown of the DSS does not occur. This means the power distribution box continues to be supplied with power until the DSS is fully discharged, which could pose a safety risk after an accident. This issue is addressed by a "SERVICE ACTION - CHECKING THE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY".

Symptoms

Owners may not notice immediate symptoms, but the vehicle's internal systems could set a fault code if the relay is stuck. The primary concern is the failure of the safety mechanism during an accident. If you experience a BMW Dual Storage System failure, it's important to have it checked.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

This issue is specifically triggered in the event of an accident where the DSS is expected to disconnect. The internal relay of the Dual Storage System (DSS) may remain stuck closed, preventing the intended power cutoff.

Repair Procedure Summary

BMW has initiated a service action to address this potential BMW Dual Storage System failure. The procedure involves checking the Dual Storage System (DSS) in affected vehicles. If the system is found to have the faulty relay, it will be replaced. This ensures the DSS functions as intended during a crash event.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 BMW model affected by this service action, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. They can determine if your vehicle requires the inspection and potential replacement of the Dual Storage System. This SERVICE ACTION, identified by NHTSA ID 10181229, is performed to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle's ELECTRICAL SYSTEM in the event of an accident.


Source: NHTSA ID: 10181229

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.

Electrical System, the system this article covers, accounts for 132 of 818 complaints (16%), including 13 for 2021.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW 330i
2001116
200245
200377
2004113
2006219
201742
201832
201941
202053
202129

Most-reported systems

  1. Air Bags — 246
  2. Exterior Lighting — 153
  3. Electrical System — 132
  4. Engine — 89
  5. 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)
All 2021 recalls →

Recent owner reports about electrical system

The contact owned a 2021 BMW 330i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.

2021 BMW 330i owner, Apr 2026

I phoned BMW today for an update on this recall. After 6 months, Manufacturer still does not have a fix or repair for your recall 25V636000 and no solution date. This is completely unacceptable.

2021 BMW 330i owner, Apr 2026
Read owner complaints →

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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