Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 BMW 540I peaked in 2024, 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 year
2020 BMW 540I
Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Apr 26, 2024 to Feb 27, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year5322k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Below the median 2020 sedan
Severity index0.02020 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
67% of complaints about the 2020 BMW 540I 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
5 recall campaigns cover the 2020 BMW 540I
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21V-598 | Aug 2, 2021 | During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist | Engine and cooling | 50,024 | Software update |
| 21V-096 | Feb 19, 2021 | When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate | Back-over prevention | 13,858 | Software update |
| 21V-046 | Feb 3, 2021 | Output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier… | Powertrain | 28 | Part replacement |
| 20V-598 | Sep 30, 2020 | Small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured | Back-over prevention | 312 | Software update |
| 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 |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 BMW 540I
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 Feb 27, 2026Failure Feb 27, 2026Stone Mountain, GAEngine
I am reporting a potential safety concern with my engine. The oil pumps are known to fail due to plastic internal components. BMW has issued a new pump with metal parts, but existing engines are not being helped and if oil pressure drops the car can suddenly stop in traffic, creating a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint 11721023 - Filed Jan 26, 2026Failure Dec 19, 2025Sidney, OHEngine
Component: Engine Oil Pump (Plastic Internal Variant) Safety Risk: Sudden Loss of Motive Power / Engine Seizure Defect Description: The oil pump in the BMW B58 engine utilizes a plastic tensioning/adjusting ring that is prone to brittle fracture. At only 38,000 miles, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic internal pump failure, resulting in an immediate "Low Oil Pressure" warning and forced engine shutdown. Safety Hazard: Stalling at Speed: This defect causes an immediate loss of propulsion. If this occurs during highway merging or high-speed maneuvers, the driver faces an abrupt loss of power steering and braking assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. Imminent Seizure: Total oil pressure loss can lead to crankshaft seizure, potentially locking the drive wheels and causing a loss of vehicle control. Technical Evidence: BMW has released an updated part (P/N 11419895359) that replaces the plastic internals with a metal housing, acknowledging the original design is insufficient for the thermal loads of the engine. Post-repair inspection of my vehicle showed significant carbonized "soot" in the filter, indicating that the pump's underperformance caused localized overheating of the lubricant prior to the final failure. Request: NHTSA should open an investigation into the B58 oil pump (2019–2021 models) to determine the failure rate of the plastic-ring units. A safety recall is necessary to replace these units with the updated all-metal version before a high-speed seizure results in a fatality.
NHTSA complaint 11713345 - Filed Apr 26, 2024Failure Apr 19, 2024Lahaina, HIElectrical system
BMW G30 chassis vehicles equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo have multiple owners reporting on Bimmerpost owners forum that water incursion damages the front door midrange speakers on both sides of the vehicle due to poor water drainage design. Water is causing the speakers to short out and stop functioning. This is also happening to owners of the BMW F90 chassis with the Bowers & Wilkins optioned stereo speakers. Stock stereo and Harmon Kardon systems seem not to be impacted by this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11585538
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
234 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.
- B010324 May 6, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve 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. - B660923 Oct 23, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer states that one or more of the following situations may occur: 1. The availability of the Steering and Lane Control Assistant is deteriorating, and/or that the function allows thevehicle to move from side to side within the lane markings. 2. Th… - 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. - 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 - 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. - B240323 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?A software error may cause an unwanted pressure pulsation in the transmission during a "Remote Engine Start." - 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. - B240223 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued an Emissions Recall (effective March 17, 2023) on a certain Model Year 2021 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between June 16, 2020, and December 13, 2022. Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission doe… - 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. - 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. - SIB260422 Feb 6, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine Variants Updated. - 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. - B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. - 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 … - 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.