Is the 2018 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 2018 BMW 540I?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 BMW 540I have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 BMW 540I

○ Not enough data

2018 BMW 540I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:10.588Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2018: 31 complaints

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	12
2020	3
2021	9
2022	5
2023	6
2024	5
2025	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

61% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and inflator module.

Seat belts

35% · 11 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Constantly pops up a message for passenger restraint system malfunction. I had an accident where I swerved off the road into a ditch at about 60 mph.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-09

Also filed under Seats

Seat belt/restraint system malfunction seat pad

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-08

Also filed under Seats

Seats

32% · 10 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Seat belt/restraint system malfunction seat pad

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-08

Electrical system

13% · 4 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle was at a complete stop, when the gas pedal was tapped to move forward slightly the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-14

Also filed under Power train and service brakes

Engine

10% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2018-09-06Engine and engine cooling18V465000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-11-08Back over prevention19V684000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 BMW 540I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
Seats: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 18V465000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V684000 · Back over prevention

FAQ

Is the 2018 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 2018 BMW 540I?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW 540I have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.