2018 BMW 540I
Only 29 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 29 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 | 29 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
14 of 29 total reports mention: air bags.
9 of 29 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20250209
8 of 29 total reports mention: seats.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20250209
4 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20220414
4 of 29 total reports mention: air bags.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 18V465000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V684000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 BMW 540I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V465000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V684000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
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 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW 540I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.