2021 BMW 540I Complaints and Recall Information
The 2021 BMW 540I has 1 complaint and 8 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report loss of braking power related to internal failure of the vacuum/oil pump affecting brake booster pressure, resulting in no brake boost.
Common Issues- Brake failure. One owner reported complete loss of braking power shortly after starting the car. A dealer diagnosis indicated an internal failure of the vacuum/oil pump causing brake booster pressure switch faults and no brake boost.
There are 8 recalls affecting various systems on the 2021 BMW 540I. These recalls involve components such as the back over prevention camera system, driveline output shafts, the electrical battery connection, and seat belt retractors.
Recalls- Back over prevention camera. (NHTSA Recall 21V096000; 13,858 vehicles) The rearview camera image may be partially obscured or the screen may not illuminate when shifting into reverse, failing FMVSS 111 "Rear Visibility" standards. This hazard increases crash risk if the driver relies only on the camera. BMW will update the rear camera software free of charge. No "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" advisory. Recall began April 16, 2021.
- Output shaft defect. (NHTSA Recall 21V046000; 28 vehicles) The output shafts transferring power to rear wheels may break due to supplier heat treatment errors. A broken shaft can cause loss of drive power or rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, raising crash risk. Dealers will replace the affected shafts free of charge. Recall began March 24, 2021. No "Do Not Drive" advisory.
- 48-Volt battery connection. (NHTSA Recall 20V761000; 812 vehicles) Improper assembly may increase electrical resistance at the 48-Volt battery and starter-generator connection, increasing the risk of fire. BMW will inspect and replace this connection as needed at no charge. Recall expected to start April 12, 2021. No driving restrictions.
- Passenger seat belt retractor. (NHTSA Recall 21V554000; 21,537 vehicles) The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) on the passenger seat belt may deactivate early before webbing fully retracts. This issue compromises occupant crash protection under FMVSS 208. Dealers will inspect and replace retractors as needed free of charge. Owner notifications mailed September 3, 2021.
- Back over prevention camera. (NHTSA Recall 20V598000; 312 vehicles) The rearview image may be slightly obscured, failing FMVSS 111 standards. BMW will inspect and, if required, update the rearview camera software free of charge. Recall began November 18, 2020.
Owners facing repeated repairs related to braking power loss or those affected by these recalls may want to review their rights under state lemon laws. Persistent safety defects or unresolved recall issues could qualify a vehicle for further legal remedies.
2021 BMW 540I Summary
2021
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
36547
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2021 BMW 540I
13858 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
2021 BMW 540I
28 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
2021 BMW 540I
21537 vehicles affected
SEAT BELTS
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.
2021 BMW 540I
812 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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.
2021 BMW 540I
312 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
Complaints
2021 BMW 540I
ID: 2088586SERVICE BRAKES
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