Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2018 BMW 540D peaked in 2024, with 2 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 year
2018 BMW 540D
Sedan, diesel, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jul 20, 2022 to Jul 15, 2024.
Recall campaigns covering this model year4263k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Below the median 2018 sedan
Severity index0.02018 sedans average 6.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
67% of complaints about the 2018 BMW 540D name engine and cooling
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
4 recall campaigns cover the 2018 BMW 540D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-588 | Aug 8, 2024 | Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering… | Engine and cooling | 15 | Part replacement |
| 22V-614 | Aug 10, 2022 | EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake… | Engine and cooling | 298 | Part replacement |
| 19V-684 | Sep 27, 2019 | 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… | Back-over prevention | 257,473 | Software update |
| 18V-465 | Jul 11, 2018 | Crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring,… | Engine and cooling | 5,309 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2018 BMW 540D
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.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jul 15, 2024Failure Jun 30, 2024University Place, WAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system
The 540d has swirl flaps on the intake manifold to regulate air intake so it adjusts how much air the intake manifold feeds the engine. There's an actuator motor that connects to the swirl flap shaft that connects via a plastic linkage. When the linkage breaks, the flaps are no longer controlled by the actuator and stays in its semi closed state. The result is when you give it full throttle, it spews out plumes of black smoke that is thick and the equivalent to rolling coal on a deleted diesel truck. The car still runs, but this poses a danger to those behind you and not very environmentally friendly to spew out soot. BMW's solution is a $6,000 repair bill, because the entire intake manifold has to be replaced for that linkage. This will be a guaranteed fail again - considering I had a check engine light for swirl flap issues starting around 40K miles.
NHTSA complaint 11602418 - Filed Mar 5, 2024Failure Sep 1, 2023Warren, NJAir bags
My passenger restraint system randomly faults. Problem with passenger seat mat. Many BMW owners have reported the issue. Should be recalled by BMW.
NHTSA complaint 11575506 - Filed Jul 20, 2022Failure May 2, 2022Wheeling, WVEngine
There is an exhaust leak which has developed in the turbo. This causes untreated fumes and soot to be emitted in the engine compartment. This untreated exhaust makes its way into the passenger cabin, putting passengers at safety risk due to untreated exhaust fumes entering the cabin. The dealership has acknowledged the issue and describes it as follows: "The soot that you have seen and the smell is coming out of the wastegate shaft which by design there is a tolerance for it to move, but due to back pressure from the soot build up before the regen has occurred there is some soot that comes out." This problem happens every time I start and drive the car. The dealership is stating that this is not covered by the factory warranty. An exhaust leak like this is a serious passenger safety issue.
NHTSA complaint 11474850
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- EA23001 Engineering analysis, Fuel system
High pressure fuel pump failure
Opened Mar 17, 2023, still open · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
362 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- B120721 Mar 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion … - B630418 Mar 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. - B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B610524 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 âÃÂÓ âÃÂÃÂHU-H: ResetâÃÂàwill be stored in the HU-H3. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk… - B320223 Jan 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard. … - 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… - B120721 Nov 9, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion … - B011423 Nov 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES - B010919 Nov 16, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES - B540521 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?The sunroof will not operate in either direction. - B520121 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted. - B320223 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. - B640821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +) without changing any climate control settings. - B630821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circui… - B320420 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment. - B160123 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sys… - B120323 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023. - B090221 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features. - B011219 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. - B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails. - B610123 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition. - B514616 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator. - SIB660823 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS ca… - B841422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B840822 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration i… - B651623 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed. - B630418 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. - B610123 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition. - B320420 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment. - B260422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. - B240223 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off. - B260422 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating temperature. - B841422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B613322 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a software error, Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) and Remote Support are currently not possible. Additionally, the Integrated Owner's Handbook cannot be displayed. - B612922 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term. - B260422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32F (0C) or lower. - B240222 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A cracking, metallic noise from under the center of the vehicle. - B170617 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system. - B540521 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The sunroof will not operate in either direction. There are NO faults stored related to the sunroof. If the vehicle has any faults stored related to the sunroof, this bulletin does not apply. - B651922 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves. - B650414 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not curr… - B620322 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode). - B611222 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost. - SIB650922 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output. - SIB090121 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. The new ISTA Version is also able to be used in case of a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) programming failure to get the customer car reprogrammed … - SIB010121 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Note: Before performing a repair and submitting a claim, first confirm that the vehicle has the above Notice of Limited Warranty Extension in the DCSnet Warranty Inquiry Vehicle Comments section. If you have Extended Limited Warranty (ELW) eligibility and/o… - SIB660820 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The functionality of the right rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the "Driving Assistance" Check Control Message. - SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - SIB610822 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customer's key, no current vehicle data is available. - SIB610722 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control Message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start. - SIB610222 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Service Action on certain Model Year 2019-2020 BMW Plug-In HybridElectric (PHEV) vehicles that were produced between March 25, 2019, and October 17, 2020. Analyses of transmitted teleservice data indicate abnormalities in … - B170121 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine. - B090321 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint. - B620222 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Sport mode is not displayed correctly in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like in Eco Pro mode). Software in the instrument cluster (Kombi). - B610722 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start. - B610121 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
48 V battery may become totally discharged, and possible replacement needed. - B121021 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer complains that under moderate throttle application or on deceleration after throttle application, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.