BMW 540I problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 83 owner complaints and 11 recalls on file for the BMW 540I (2017–2025). The 2018 540I has the most serious complaints, most often about airbags.
- Complaints
- 83
- Recalls
- 11
- Model years
- 9
- Worst year
- 2018
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst BMW 540I years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2018 BMW 540I — 26 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Airbags
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2020 (3 complaints).
Every BMW 540I model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 540I | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2024 540I | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2023 540I | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes |
| 2022 540I | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2021 540I | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2020 540I | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Engine |
| 2019 540I | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Acceleration & Cruise Control |
| 2018 540I | 26 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Airbags |
| 2017 540I | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Seats & Seat Belts |
Most common BMW 540I problem areas (all years)
- Airbags19 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts18 complaints
- Electrical System14 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain12 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech10 complaints
- Brakes10 complaints
- Engine10 complaints
- Wheels & Tires7 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion4 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control4 complaints
Complaint trend
BMW 540I recalls
Risk: 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.
Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Risk: 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.
Risk: A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Other BMW models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology