Every 2018 BMW 540I recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Back Over Prevention · NHTSA 19V684000
Sep 27, 2019Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
- Problem
- 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, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles.
The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Full recall details for 19V684000 →Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 18V465000
Dec 7, 2018Engine and Engine Cooling:Engine
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 18V465000 →
2018 BMW 540I complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW 540I, reporting 3 crashes, 2 injuries. BMW has issued at least 286 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags19
- Seat Belts11
- Seats10
- Electrical System4
- Unknown Or Other4
- Engine3
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (120)
- Equipment (101)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (31)
- Steering (18)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (17)
- Engine (16)
Read BMW 540I owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW 540I. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Injury reportedCrash
“Constantly pops up a message for passenger restraint system malfunction.”
2018 BMW 540IFeb 9, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11641549
Crash
“The car's hood sensor did not alert us to the fact that the hood was not properly closed. This resulted in the car's hood opening while being driven, causing the driver to lose sight of the road and crashed into a guardrail in a canyon road (see photo).”
2018 BMW 540INov 27, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11627712
Injury reportedCrash
“The vehicle was at a complete stop, when the gas pedal was tapped to move forward slightly the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control. There was an attempt to apply the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate and "Drive Train Malfunction" began to flash on the dashboard of the vehicle.”
2018 BMW 540IApr 14, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11460740
“On and off system notification of "Passenger Restraint System Malfunction" with and without a passenger in the seat. Also, the Airbag off/disabled light on the instrument cluster illuminated.”
2018 BMW 540IApr 5, 2026 · NJ
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11729268
“For this item - Please refer to NTHSA RECALL 18V-465 : BMW Crank Sensor Recall 9/12/2018. In particular - this refers to a 2018 BMW 540ix.”
2018 BMW 540IJan 18, 2026
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11711754
Check your 540I by VIN
Not every 2018 BMW 540I is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
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