BMW 540i recalls by year
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
23 recalls found for the BMW 540i in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, and 248 owner complaints. Choose a model year:
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 BMW 540i | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 BMW 540i | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 BMW 540i | 1 | 5 |
| 2022 BMW 540i | 1 | 6 |
| 2021 BMW 540i | 6 | 8 |
| 2020 BMW 540i | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 BMW 540i | 1 | 11 |
| 2018 BMW 540i | 2 | 31 |
| 2017 BMW 540i | 1 | 20 |
| 2003 BMW 540i | 2 | 7 |
| 2002 BMW 540i | 2 | 12 |
| 2001 BMW 540i | 4 | 15 |
| 2000 BMW 540i | 2 | 31 |
| 1999 BMW 540i | 1 | 22 |
| 1998 BMW 540i | 1 | 26 |
| 1997 BMW 540i | 0 | 27 |
| 1995 BMW 540i | 2 | 10 |
| 1994 BMW 540i | 4 | 8 |
| 1993 BMW 540i | 1 | 0 |
| 1992 BMW 540i | 1 | 0 |
| 1991 BMW 540i | 1 | 0 |
| 1990 BMW 540i | 1 | 0 |
| 1989 BMW 540i | 1 | 0 |
Has your BMW been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.
Newest BMW 540i recalls
- Aug 12, 202626V525000Power train27,720 vehiclesBMW 840i, 840I Xdrive and 4 more models
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.
- Sep 18, 202424V697000Electronic stability control (ESC), service brakes, hydraulic309 vehiclesBMW 740i, BMW X7 and 15 more models
Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
- Aug 2, 202121V598000Engine50,024 vehiclesBMW Z4, BMW 745Le and 5 more models
During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist.
- Jul 21, 202121V554000Seat belts21,537 vehiclesBMW 228i, BMW 230i and 24 more models
The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts.
- Feb 19, 202121V096000Back over prevention13,858 vehiclesBMW 330i, 840i and 19 more models
When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate.
- Feb 3, 202121V046000Power train28 vehiclesBMW 530i, 540i and 1 more model
The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
- Dec 9, 202020V761000Electrical system812 vehiclesBMW 530i, 540i and 7 more models
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.
- Sep 30, 202020V598000Back over prevention312 vehiclesBMW 530i, 540i and 5 more models
A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.