2022 BMW 540i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2022 BMW 540i has a complaint index of 88, the second-worst of 9 model years for this model, with a verdict of Avoid. NHTSA lists 6 complaints, 1 recall, 1 crash, and 1 injury, with Transmission & Powertrain issues making up 67% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 540i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2022 BMW 540i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (67%)
- Fuel System2 (33%)
- Airbags1 (17%)
- Electrical System1 (17%)
- Engine1 (17%)
- Seat Belts1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Sudden unintended acceleration during low-speed turns, with the engine revving up on its own and no warning lights before the incident.
- Passenger airbag or seat/floor sensor triggers a restraint system service message.
- Catastrophic drivetrain failure while turning onto a road, causing total loss of propulsion and leaving the driver coasting in live traffic.
- Rear differential failure with internal gear damage, preventing the vehicle from staying in gear and causing the engine to shut off without warning.
2022 BMW 540i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V525000Aug 12, 2026Transmission & Powertrain27,720 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
2022 BMW 540i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,075
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other 540i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 BMW 540i reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2022 BMW 540i a complaint index of 88, the second-worst among the 9 model years tracked for this model, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other 540i years.
- What problems does the 2022 BMW 540i have?
- Owners reported 6 complaints to NHTSA, with Transmission & Powertrain issues accounting for 67% of them, including a rear differential failure. Fuel System complaints made up another 33%, including one crash.
- Does the 2022 BMW 540i have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall covering the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential on certain 2022 540i vehicles, none of which is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2022 540i compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 88, the 2022 540i ranks worse than 2017 (25, Good), 2019 (50, Caution), and 2021 (38, Good), but is not as high as 2018 (100, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 BMW 540i?
- The 2022 540i is rated at 26 mpg combined (23.5 city / 30.5 highway), with an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of $3,075.