MYRModel Year Report

2001 BMW 540IA

○ Not enough data
2001 BMW 540IA
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:15.189Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
7

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1997: 12 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 7 2002: 2 complaints 2002
1997: 12 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 7 2002: 2 complaints 2002
1997: 12 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 7 2002: 2 complaints 2002

2001: 7 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
19950
199712
19983
199910
20008
20017
20022

Known problem areas

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.

Show complaint excerpts

Water pump failure. Coolant leaking from shaft. Radiator failure, drivers side top radiator nipple inlet cracked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-07

2001 BMW 540I automatic transmission; approximately 57,000 miles; radiator cracked spontaneously under normal driving conditions; significant steam resulting in obscurred view of the roadway and other vehicles; car taken to local repair center;...

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-28

Seat belts

1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

Show complaint excerpts

Seat belts on passenger's and driver's sides are able to cut into consumer's neck. Contacted dealer, and dealer was suppose to fix problem on day of purchase.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-04-24

Power train

1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Electrical system

1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.

Air bags

1 of 7 total reports mentions: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 540IA. The contact stated that the recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 17V047000 (Air bags) was received in January of 2017.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-16

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2001-09-28Engine and engine cooling01V206000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2003-11-10Air bags03V421000 On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began November10, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    Date not on fileEngine and engine cooling02V138000 On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (See recall campaign 01V206).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 BMW 540IA — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Power train: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V138000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 01V206000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 03V421000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2001 BMW 540IA 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 2001 BMW 540IA?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 540IA have?
3 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.