NHTSA Data Explorer

BMW 540i xDrive

Data refreshed July 19, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the BMW 540i xDrive.

Complaints

692

Active records

Recalls

24

Active records

TSBs

221

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

0

Injuries

23

Crashes

29

Fires

27

Top reported issues — BMW 540i xDrive

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

216

Operating state

166

Safety restraint issue

164

Reporting mechanism

142

Performance issue

90

Engine behavior

82

Thermal issue

57

Fluid issue

44

Noise

40

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

37

Braking behavior

34

Electrical issue

33

Safety restraint behavior

33

Driver assistance issue

25

Ride/handling behavior

24

Lighting behavior

23

Steering behavior

23

Vibration/harshness

23

Access/entry issue

22

Starting behavior

16

Infotainment behavior

14

Smell

12

Recent change

10

Powering on/off behavior

8

HVAC behavior

5

Wiper/washer behavior

4

Communication/network issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2021 BMW 540I

Filed Jul 10, 2026


Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer. Multiple waring lamps and messages appeared. Dealer report stated: STARTER MOTOR FAULTY. ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONCERN: C/S: REPEAT START ATTEMPT INTERMITTEN WARNING LIGHTS. Please issue recall for the safety of all drivers.

2023 BMW 540I

Filed May 20, 2026


My vehicle offers rear traffic alert system, but it is not working properly. It's a safety issue that I almost caused several accidents because of it. The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety to me and others are at risk because the feature is not working (rear traffic alert system). I have an appointment on May 28, 2026 to have the BMW dealership look into it. There were no warning lamps or messages.

2019 BMW 540I

Filed May 14, 2026


Crash

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540i. The contact stated that while slowly driving into the driveway the vehicle erroneously accelerated forward at a high rate of speed and crashed into the garage door. The contact indicated that during the incident the brake pedal was being pressed but the vehicle did not immediately stop. During the incident the front end of the vehicle was damaged but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported but the contact experienced emotional stress from the incident.…

2025 BMW 540I

Filed Apr 27, 2026


The driver’s side door jamb placard states 35PSI on all 4 tires. The TPMS software states 36 PSI front and 40 PSI rear. Picture of both attached. The manufacture label and TPMS should match, having them conflict is confusing and leaves owner unsure which to follow.

2018 BMW 540I

Filed Apr 5, 2026


On and off system notification of Passenger Restraint System Malfunction with and without a passenger in the seat. Also, the Airbag off/disabled light on the instrument cluster illuminated. Can't seem to declare if it is an electrical shortage, seatbelt buckle related or passenger pressure sensor sensor in the seat. Find this to be a major safety concern should there be an accident, and unsure whether the airbags will deploy or not. BMW should investigate this concern.

2021 BMW 540I

Filed Mar 25, 2026


The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in drive(D) or reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a driveshaft failure. The…

2019 BMW 540I

Filed Mar 25, 2026


I own a 2019 BMW 540 with B58 engine and I have begun noticing abnormal rattling noise from the engine area, which may indicate early stage failure of the oil pump assembly. There are widespread reports from other owners of failure of the oil pump rotor housing/adjusting ring due to heat-related degradation of plastic components. Failure of this component can lead to sudden loss of oil pressure, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and ultimately engine seizure while driving. Sudden engine failure…

2001 BMW 540I

Filed Mar 3, 2026


The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (17V047000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

2020 BMW 540I

Filed Feb 27, 2026


I am reporting a potential safety concern with my engine. The oil pumps are known to fail due to plastic internal components. BMW has issued a new pump with metal parts, but existing engines are not being helped and if oil pressure drops the car can suddenly stop in traffic, creating a safety hazard.

2017 BMW 540I

Filed Feb 25, 2026


The contact owns a 2017 BMW 540I equipped with a Zenna Tires, Tire Line: Argus/UHP, Tire Size: 275/30/ZR20, DOT Number: 045YNAUY84924. The contact stated the driver's side rear tire was slowly deflating. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Shop, and the technician became aware of bubbles on the tire. The tire was replaced on a Friday, and the following Monday, the new tire indicated that the tire pressure was 0 PSI. The Tire Shop was contacted and refused to replace the tire or provide additional…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated July 19, 2026. Refreshed nightly.