CarRecallWatchThe 2021 BMW 540i has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash.
The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (3 reports).
2021 BMW 540i recalls
Driveshaft Connection May Fail, Causing Power Loss or Rollaway
The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential can become damaged.
Passenger seat belt may release early in a crash
The passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor may deactivate early, before the webbing has fully retracted.
Rearview camera may be blocked or go dark in reverse
When the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, part of the rearview camera image can be obscured, or the screen may not turn on.
Rear Axle Shafts May Break, Causing Power Loss or Rollaway
Certain 2020-2021 BMW 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles may have output shafts that break at the rear wheels.
Loose 48-Volt Battery Connection Can Cause Fire Risk
The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly.
Rearview camera image may be partly blocked
The rearview camera image on certain BMW vehicles may be slightly obscured in a small portion of the view.
Most common 2021 BMW 540i problems
Problem areas named in the 9 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
What owners report
In August 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an active safety recall under campaign number 26V525000 for certain 2021â2023 BMW vehicles experiencing severe driveshaft-to-rear-differential connection failures that result in an immediate loss of motive power and vehicle rollaway risks. Shortly after this announcement, my 2021 BMW 540i (VIN: [XXX]) suffered this exact catastrophic mechanical failure while in motion, completely disabling the vehicle and creating an imminent safety hazard in live traffic. The vehicle was towed directly to Bert Smith BMW in St. Petersburg, Florida, where a certified technician formally diagnosed the severed components and ordered
Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer. Multiple waring lamps and messages appeared. Dealer report stated: STARTER MOTOR FAULTY. ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONCERN: C/S: REPEAT START ATTEMPT INTERMITTEN WARNING LIGHTS. Please issue recall for the safety of all drivers.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in drive(D) or reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a driveshaft failure. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V046000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not associated with t
In November 2025 my breaks quit working. I had AAA haul my car to a repair shop. They ran the codes on the car and found that it was related to a recall on 2021 BMW 540i's for the oil vacuum pump assembly, pan and gasket. I then had it towed to BMW and found out that my vin was not in the recall. BMW quoted me $4587 to repair this on a car with 45,000 miles. I then had it towed to a repair shop that replaced the oil vacuum pump assembly, oil pan, gasket and bolts for about $3700. I think that my vin should have been included in the recall. It was a obviously a common problem with my model and I should not have to pay this much on a car with 45,000 miles. I also had to pay $283.81 for
We notice the lose of braking power right after we started the car on 4/30 morning. The car was totally fine before that. took it to the BMW dealer they said the problem is "Vacuum/oil pump failing internally. fault for brake booster pressure switch, no brake boost" I find that there is a recall for the exact problem but it doesn't include my vehicle The "Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-598" stated that when It does happen it will cause damage to the oil/vacuum pump. I think recall 21V-598 should include my vehicle
2021 BMW 540i questions
Does the 2021 BMW 540i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2021 BMW 540i: Driveshaft Connection May Fail, Causing Power Loss or Rollaway; Passenger seat belt may release early in a crash; Rearview camera may be blocked or go dark in reverse; Rear Axle Shafts May Break, Causing Power Loss or Rollaway; Loose 48-Volt Battery Connection Can Cause Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW 540i?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (3), Power Train (3), Electrical System (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 BMW 540i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.