YearToAvoid

2024 BMW 540i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

63/100

#4 most-complained of 9 540i years

The 2024 BMW 540i has a Complaint Index of 63 with 5 complaints, 1 crash, and 1 recall, ranking 4th worst among 9 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 60% of complaints.

Complaints
5
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
28
26 city / 33 hwy

Top 2024 BMW 540i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes3 (60%)
  2. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (40%)
  3. Electrical System1 (20%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the rear automatic brake (RAB) failing to stop the vehicle when backing out of a parking space, forcing the driver to react to avoid a collision.
  • One owner tested the rear automatic braking system manually and had to move out of the way as the car kept moving toward them.
  • A separate owner received notice of a recall covering the Electronic Stability Control and hydraulic service brakes but reported the dealer had no repair part available.
  • That same owner said BMW exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair.
2024 BMW 540i complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2024Nov 2024Jan 2025
6 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2024 to Jan 2025; peak Nov 2024 (3).

2024 BMW 540i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V697000Sep 18, 2024Brakes309 vehicles

    Electronic stability control (esc):control module

    BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.

    Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

2024 BMW 540i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26 MPG
Highway
33 MPG
Combined
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,850
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.

2024 compared with other 540i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2022Avoid886126
2023Avoid755126
2024Caution635128
2025No verdict131028

All BMW 540i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2024 BMW 540i reliable?
NHTSA lists 5 complaints and 1 recall for the 2024 BMW 540i, giving it a Complaint Index of 63 and a Caution verdict. It ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years of the 540i.
What is the main problem with the 2024 BMW 540i?
Brakes are the top problem area, making up 60% of complaints, including reports of the rear automatic braking system failing to stop the car.
Does the 2024 BMW 540i have a recall?
Yes. Recall 24V697000, reported September 18, 2024, covers the brake system; BMW dealers will replace the integrated brake system free of charge. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2024 540i compare to other years?
With a Complaint Index of 63, the 2024 540i ranks better than the 2018 model (Avoid, index 100) but worse than the 2017 (Good, index 25) and 2021 (Good, index 38) model years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.