2001 BMW 540IA
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2002 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041207
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, 20041128
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010424
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041207
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CIRC
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 REMEDY
Campaign 01V206000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Campaign 03V421000 — check if this car was fixed
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).
Campaign 02V138000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 BMW 540IA — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V138000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V206000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V421000 (air bags) has been completed.
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:cooling system:radiator assembly, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 540IA have?
3 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.