Is the 2021 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 2021 BMW 540I?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 540I have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 BMW 540I

○ Not enough data

2021 BMW 540I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:45.331Z

Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 9
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2021: 9 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

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

3 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Unintended car acceleration, with complete brake failure. No software warning icons in dash, no collision avoidance or ABS triggered even though car so equipped. Crashed into rear end of stationery vehicle,. [XXX] , MN police were called.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-07-24

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance

In November 2025 my breaks quit working. I had AAA haul my car to a repair shop. They ran the codes on the car and found that it was related to a recall on 2021 BMW 540i's for the oil vacuum pump assembly, pan and gasket.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-12

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-05

Power train

3 of 9 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

In August 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an active safety recall under campaign number 26V525000 for certain 2021â2023 BMW vehicles experiencing severe driveshaft-to-rear-differential connection failures that...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-21

Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Also filed under Electrical system and engine

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-03-25

Forward collision avoidance

2 of 9 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASH

Electrical system

2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Wheels

1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2020-11-18Back over prevention20V598000 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.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-24Power train21V046000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-30Electrical system20V761000 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,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-04-16Back over prevention21V096000 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,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-09-03Seat belts21V554000 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),...

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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Date not on filePower train26V525000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 BMW 540I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Forward collision avoidance: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 26V525000 · Power train
Recall 20V598000 · Back over prevention
Recall 21V046000 · Power train
Recall 20V761000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V096000 · Back over prevention
Recall 21V554000 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 2021 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 2021 BMW 540I?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 540I have?: 6 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.