Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2023 BMW 540I peaked in 2024, with 3 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
2023 BMW 540I
Sedan, gasoline, built in Austria. Owner complaints on file from Nov 10, 2023 to May 20, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year128k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints5Close to the median 2023 sedan
Severity index40.02023 sedans average 11.6
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Components
40% of complaints about the 2023 BMW 540I name back-over prevention
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 2023 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-525 | Aug 12, 2026 | Connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a… | Powertrain | 27,720 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2023 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.
5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 20, 2026Failure May 19, 2026Ooltewah, TNRearview system braking
My vehicle offers rear traffic alert system, but it is not working properly. It's a safety issue that I almost caused several accidents because of it. The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety to me and others are at risk because the feature is not working (rear traffic alert system). I have an appointment on May 28, 2026 to have the BMW dealership look into it. There were no warning lamps or messages.
NHTSA complaint 11739085 - Filed Sep 26, 2024Failure Aug 23, 2024Beverly Hills, CAService brakes, Body, Vehicle speed controlCrash
About June 2024 when I was driving downslope at about 30 MPH, when I hit break the car accelerated. Fortunately, nobody and no car were around and I gained control of the car by pumping the break. I did not think much about this issue to report it. On August 23, 2024, I was driving home. I was very close to my home at very low speed (about 1-2 MPH). I hit the break and the car accelerated for the second time crashing into my next door neighbor's house damaging his bushes, steps, spriklers and the gate. My car sustained considerable amount of damages. It was in the BMW Authorized body shop about a month. I received the car on 9/25/2024.
NHTSA complaint 11616727 - Filed Mar 31, 2024Failure Feb 15, 2023Avon, OHRearview system braking
The rear cross tracking warning system does not provide an audible warning or apply brakes. The settings have been set, and verified with the dealer, including the most sensitive sensor level and loudest audio alert level. I have gone to two different dealers in Ohio and Florida and got the same response, “it works as designed”. My brother in law has a 2023 BMW 440i and has the same issue, with the same results with dealer responses. It’s a well known issue in the BMW community since 2019 models, yet the company doesn’t fix. Not only is it dangerous backing out of parking spaces etc., but it causes a lack of faith in the other critical safety features which you rely on, but cannot easily check; like adaptive cruise and forward collision features.
NHTSA complaint 11580316 - Filed Mar 27, 2024Failure Mar 23, 2024Jamestown, RIService brakesCrash
Car did not fully stop when brakes engaged. Caused collision with a wall. Mechanics are currently evaluating the braking system but it appears to be consistent with the brake recall issued for other 2023-4 BMW vehicles—loss of power brake assist or antilock brake to not function properly. (See National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign Number 24V-104 reported on February 12, 2024).
NHTSA complaint 11579823 - Filed Nov 10, 2023Failure Oct 11, 2023Potomac, MDTires
size 19. I have had two tires fail in 3 months. Less than 3k miles on both. There was no road hazard but both tires blew out on the side.
NHTSA complaint 11554515
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
37 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- 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. - 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 … - B631223 Oct 17, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Upon performing a vehicle read out, faultcode (CD0D16- Control unit light (BEL)(LIN): Wrong variant installed) is stored inthe BCP (Basic Central Platform). Note: Functionality of the exterior lights and switch is fully operational when fault code is pre… - MCAS4023 Sep 29, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has requested the inspection of all dealer stock of the following part number(s) listed below to ensure the spacer is conformed to drawing. - B540521 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?The sunroof will not operate in either 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… - 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. - 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. - SIB611322 Jul 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A limited amount of Model Year 2022/2023 (MY22/23) vehicles were produced with non-functional smart opener control units. The Smart Opener is part of the Comfort Access feature, enabling to open the trunk lid or tailgate using the "foot kicking" motion bene… - SIB611322 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A limited amount of Model Year 2022/2023 (MY22/23) vehicles were produced with non-functional smart opener control units. The Smart Opener is part of the Comfort Access feature, enabling to open the trunk lid or tailgate using the foot kicking motion beneat…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.