NHTSA lists 9 complaints for the 2021 BMW 540I, 1 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW 540I.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
6 recalls.
Date: 2026-08-12. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. 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. (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become search (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-07-21. Systems: SEAT BELTS.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M (excerpt)
Consequence: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury. (excerpt)
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota). (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-02-19. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-02-03. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2020-12-09. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause i (excerpt)
Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire. (excerpt)
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2020-09-30. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa (excerpt)
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury. (excerpt)
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
167 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 72 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 65 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 16 |
|---|
| STEERING | 15 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 13 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10 |
|---|
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 9 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 8 |
|---|
11032731
Date: 2026-05-06. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE.
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
10252031
Date: 2024-03-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
10252038
Date: 2024-03-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion engine and starter generator torn And/or o
10249437
Date: 2024-01-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY.
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
10249027
Date: 2024-01-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle A A?A A A A discharged batteryA A?A A A A compl
10249018
Date: 2024-01-08. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.
At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the vide
10249032
Date: 2024-01-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.
The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 A A A A A A A A?A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A?A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A HU-H: ResetA A A A A A A A?A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A will be stored in the HU-H3.
10249017
Date: 2024-01-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.
SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard. See attached video V32 03 23 2. Humming no
10247567
Date: 2023-12-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, rec
10245422
Date: 2023-11-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleA A?A A A A s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm L