2021 BMW 540i

Routine

Owners filed 8 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 6 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes3
100
Steering1
000
Seat Belts1
000
Power Train1
000
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery1
000
Electrical System1
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft26V525000
Filed Aug 12, 202627,720 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

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.

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.

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 searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.

Seat Belts21V554000
Filed Jul 21, 202121,537 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

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, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

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).

Back Over Prevention › Software21V096000
Filed Feb 19, 202113,858 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

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, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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.

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.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft21V046000
Filed Feb 3, 202128 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

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.

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.

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.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery20V761000
Filed Dec 9, 2020812 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

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 increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Risk. Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera20V598000
Filed Sep 30, 2020312 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

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 Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2026MD

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.

Power Train
Filed Mar 25, 202666,700 milesCA

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 contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V046000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,700.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 12, 2026GA

In November 2025 my breaks quit working. I had AAA haul my car to a repair shop. They ran the codes on the car and found that it was related to a recall on 2021 BMW 540i's for the oil vacuum pump assembly, pan and gasket. I then had it towed to BMW and found out that my vin was not in the recall. BMW quoted me $4587 to repair this on a car with 45,000 miles. I then had it towed to a repair shop that replaced the oil vacuum pump assembly, oil pan, gasket and bolts for about $3700. I think that my vin should have been included in the recall. It was a obviously a common problem with my model and I should not have to pay this much on a car with 45,000 miles. I also had to pay $283.81 for BMW to diagnose it.

Service Brakes
Filed May 5, 2025KS

We notice the lose of braking power right after we started the car on 4/30 morning. The car was totally fine before that. took it to the BMW dealer they said the problem is "Vacuum/oil pump failing internally. fault for brake booster pressure switch, no brake boost" I find that there is a recall for the exact problem but it doesn't include my vehicle The "Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-598" stated that when It does happen it will cause damage to the oil/vacuum pump. I think recall 21V-598 should include my vehicle

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 24, 2023MN

Unintended car acceleration, with complete brake failure. No software warning icons in dash, no collision avoidance or ABS triggered even though car so equipped. Crashed into rear end of stationery vehicle,. [XXX] , MN police were called. Incident report # attached. (1st image) Western National Insurance Co. notified.Claim # attached (2nd image) Car will be inspected @ BMW dealership in Bloomington, MN 7/25/23. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 21, 202210,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the front and rear passenger’s and driver’s side seat belts failed to detach after being connected. The contact stated that he forced the rear passenger’s side seat belt to detach with a screwdriver. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer stated that candy was lodged in the buckle. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 6, 2022FL

Intermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the low-profile wheels could be the issue. Also, feel that the wheels are poorly made and are prone to being warped.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jan 28, 2022GA

2021 BMW 540I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MULTIPLE DEFECTS DUE TO BATTERY MANAGEMENT ISSUE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MULITPLE OCCASIONS OF FAILURES WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. THE DRIVER HAD TO PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING, THE AUTOSTART ENGAGED INDEPENDTLY, AND LIGHTING/SPEAKER/SUNROOF MALFUNCTION.

8 of 8 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20251000Routine
20245100Routine
20235100Routine
20226100Routine
2021 — this page8600Routine
20203500Routine
201911100Routine
201831200Routine
201720100Routine
20037200Do not drive
200212200Do not drive
200115400Do not drive
200031220Do not drive
199922100Routine
199826100Routine
199727020Routine
199510210Routine
19948400Routine
19930100Routine
19920100Routine
19910100Routine
19900100Routine

Compare every 540i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.