Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2001 BMW 540 peaked in 2002, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model yearDo not drive
2001 BMW 540
Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from May 8, 2002 to Sep 22, 2017.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1230k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints5Below the median 2001 sedan
Severity index0.02001 sedans average 13.3
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
40% of complaints about the 2001 BMW 540 name airbags
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2001 BMW 540
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17V-047 | Jan 20, 2017 | These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating…Do not drive | Airbags | 230,117 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2001 BMW 540
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 22, 2017Failure Sep 22, 2017Brentwood, CAAir bags
DEALERSHIP IN CONCORD CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN TRYING TO DELAY REPAIRING MY VEHICLE AIRBAG EVEN AFTER APPOINTMENT. DID NOT EVEN START FIXING MY VEHICLE AFTER WAITING 5 PLUS HOURS.
NHTSA complaint 11025102 - Filed Dec 2, 2012Failure Dec 1, 201298,500 milesMobile, ALSteering
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND I HEARD A "PANG" SOUND FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, A MOMENT LATER MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO A SAFE STOPPING PLACE TO BE TOWED BEFORE THE LOST BELT THAT FOLLOWED OVERHEATED ME. PUMP SNAPPED IN AT LEAST ONE PLACE MAKING THE PULLEY CROOKED, AND SHREDDING THE BELT. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10486741 - Filed May 17, 2006Failure May 11, 200687,000 milesWest Chester, PAAir bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A ROUND ROCK OF 4-5 INCHES IN DIAMETER WAS DROVE OVER AND STRUCK THE FRONT AIR DAM RIGHT OF THE CENTER. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD PROTECTION AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND THE CONTACT IS WAITING FOR A RETURN PHONE CALL.
NHTSA complaint 10157708 - Filed Aug 26, 2003Failure Jun 17, 200341,000 milesSaratoga, CARadiator assembly
RADIATOR FAILED AT 40K MILES IN MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC,OBSCURING VISION WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN MANY CARS AND THEN STRANDING CAR FAT DANGEROUS INTERCHANGE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint 10033503 - Filed May 8, 2002Failure Feb 1, 2002DEL MAR, CAAccelerator pedal
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STCKS WHEN FOOT PRESSURE IS RELEASED. RESPONSE OF ACCELERATOR IS VERY QUICK. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK GAS PEDAL STUTTERING/ BINDING CONDITION IS WORSE WHEN VEHICLE IS OUT IN SUN FOR A FEW HOURS. DEALER REPLACED PEDAL THREE TIMES. *TT
NHTSA complaint 8009406
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
6 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B160623 Dec 20, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too l… - B653423 Nov 22, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâ™s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additio… - SIB-63-02-01 Aug 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM - SIB-32-04-07 Jun 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM - SIB-16-02-09 Dec 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. IN SOME CASES…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.