Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2001 BMW 540i has 4 recalls, 15 complaints.
4
Recalls
15
Complaints
N/A
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 11, 2026
19V015000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Spo...
01V206000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAIL...
02V138000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN...
03V421000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT S...
No NHTSA safety ratings available for the 2001 BMW 540i.
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2026 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (17V04... |
| Nov 1, 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unk... |
| Mar 10, 2017 | AIR BAGS | TAKATA RECALL: BOTH THE MANUFACTURER (BMW NORTH AMERICA) AND THE LOCAL DEALER (UNITED BMW OF ROSWELL... |
| May 1, 2016 | AIR BAGS | POSSIBLE TAKATA INFLATOR: AT FIRST THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON OCCASIONALLY AND NOW THE PASS... |
| Mar 31, 2015 | STEERING | THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2001 BMW 540I SNAPPED ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PIE... |
| Apr 12, 2014 | ENGINE | M62 V-8 ENGINES USED IN THE E-39 540 AND E-38 740 ARE NOTORIOUS FOR FAULTY TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. AT A... |
| Jan 15, 2014 | STEERING | POWER STEERING BRACKETS ON THESE CARS BREAK. HAPPENED TO ME AND THREW A BELT DURING A TURN. THIS IS ... |
| Feb 6, 2011 | POWER TRAIN | 2001 BMW 540I REVERSE GEAR FAILURE ON ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) TRANSMISSION. MY BMW WILL NO LONGER ENGAG... |
| May 16, 2010 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3RD (HIGH) TAIL LIGHT BULB AND SOCKET OVERHEATS AND MELTS, RENDERING THE LIGHT INOPERABLE AND POSSIB... |
| Mar 10, 2009 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FAULTY THERMOSTAT CAUSED ALL WIRING TO MELT AND LEAD TO A DAMAGE OF MAIN COMPUTE... |
| Feb 5, 2009 | POWER TRAIN | ON MY 2001 BMW 540I WITH 84000 MILES WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WILL NOT REVERSE JUST FILLS... |
| Dec 3, 2005 | POWER TRAIN | I OWN A 2001 BMW 540I. I WILL PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL MOVE REALLY SLOW, AS I GIVE IT A LI... |
| Oct 24, 2002 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZA... |
| Jan 15, 2002 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | VEHICLE FAILS TO START. TOWED TO DEALER. UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER... |
| Mar 23, 2001 | AIR BAGS | CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE/ TOP AIRBAGS EXPLODED. AFTER THEY EXPLODED, W... |