BMW 540i Best and Worst Years (2017–2025)
Among BMW 540i model years 2017-2025, 2018, 2022, and 2023 are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 88, and 75 respectively. 2017 and 2021 score best at 25 and 38, with no verdict data yet for 2020 and 2025.
- Model years
- 9
- 2017–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 91
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Airbags
540i Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
BMW 540i problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Good | 25 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 23.5 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 100 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 23.5 | — |
| 2019 | Caution | 50 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Engine | 25 | — |
| 2021 | Good | 38 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Brakes | 26.5 | — |
| 2022 | Avoid | 88 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 26 | — |
| 2023 | Avoid | 75 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 26 | — |
| 2024 | Caution | 63 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 28 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 28 | — |
540i years to avoid: what went wrong
2018 BMW 540i Index 100 · 31 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2018 540i has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 31 complaints logged. Airbags lead the problem list at 45% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 6,500 miles, followed by Seat Belts and Structure & Body issues at 35% each. Owners describe recurring passenger restraint system malfunction warnings appearing intermittently, sometimes within the first year of ownership. NHTSA recorded 3 crashes and 2 injuries tied to 2018 complaints. Two recalls apply to this year, covering back-up camera software and a crankshaft sensor firmware issue.
2022 BMW 540i Index 88 · 6 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2022 540i carries a complaint index of 88 on 6 total complaints, driven mostly by Transmission & Powertrain problems at 67% of the year's complaints. Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and rear differential failures that caused loss of propulsion while driving. One crash and one injury were reported for this year. A recall covers the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential on 2021-2023 540i and 540i xDrive vehicles, among other models.
2023 BMW 540i Index 75 · 5 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2023 540i has a complaint index of 75 from 5 complaints, with Brakes and Collision Avoidance & Cameras each accounting for 40% of the year's issues. Owners describe brakes failing to fully stop the vehicle and instances of unexpected acceleration when braking at low speed, leading to 2 crashes. Others report the rear cross-traffic warning system failing to sound audible alerts despite dealer-verified settings. The same driveshaft-to-differential recall covering 2021-2023 540i models applies here.
Most common BMW 540i problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Airbags21 (23%)
- Seat Belts16 (18%)
- Structure & Body16 (18%)
- Electrical System15 (16%)
- Engine14 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (13%)
- Brakes11 (12%)
- Other9 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (8%)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the worst year for the BMW 540i?
- The 2018 BMW 540i has the highest complaint index at 100, making it the worst year based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, with Airbags and Seat Belts as the top problem areas.
- Which BMW 540i years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data points to 2018, 2022, and 2023 as years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 88, and 75 respectively, relative to other 540i years.
- Are any BMW 540i years good choices?
- The 2017 and 2021 model years score as Good, with complaint index values of 25 and 38, the lowest among years with sufficient data.
- Does the BMW 540i have a transmission recall?
- Yes, a recall covers the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential on 2021-2023 540i and 540i xDrive vehicles, tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints in 2022 and 2023.
- How many total complaints and recalls does the BMW 540i have?
- Across model years 2017-2025, NHTSA lists 91 total complaints and 11 recall campaigns for the BMW 540i.