2018 BMW 540I
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
61% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing occupant classification and inflator module.
35% of complaints: seat belts — 11 distinct reports on file.
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
Also filed under SEATS
Seat belt/restraint system malfunction seat pad
NHTSA ODI report, 20260908
Also filed under SEATS
32% of complaints: seats — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Seat belt/restraint system malfunction seat pad
NHTSA ODI report, 20260908
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
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
Also filed under POWER TRAIN and SERVICE BRAKES
10% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
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 (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (10 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 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW 540I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.