2017 BMW 540I
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1997 | 27 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 31 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 20 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.
Show complaint excerpts
1. Airbag Light - Repaired on 9/18/23 ( cause : pass. front seat occupancy detection ) a. no explanation needed b. replaced by dealer c. warning chime and message on dash d. Labor and part cost $2380.93 2.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231003
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 of 20 total reports mention: seats.
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
3 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAD DROPPED OFF THE VEHICLE FOR SWAPPING OUT MY WINTER TIRES FOR ALL SEASON TIRES. THEIR TECHNICIANS REMOVED THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCHES AND INSTALLED THEM INCORRECTLY. THIS WORK WAS NEITHER APPROVED BY ME OR MENTIONED ON THE WORK ORDER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180227
2 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW 540I. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF, AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190903
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 20V243000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 BMW 540I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V243000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2017 BMW 540I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW 540I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 BMW 540I have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.