2017 BMW 540I: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW 540I equipped with a Zenna Tires, Tire Line: Argus/UHP, Tire Size: 275/30/ZR20, DOT Number: 045YNAUY84924. The contact stated the driver's side rear tire was slowly deflating. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Shop, and the technician became aware of bubbles on the tire. The tire was replaced on a Friday, and the following Monday, the new tire indicated that the tire pressure was 0 PSI. The Tire Shop was contacted and refused to replace the tire or provide additional assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2026
“While driving on highways when there is no car in front of me, my car suddenly warns me of collision and applies brakes automatically! This almost caused an accident with the cars behind me. They were about to collide with me from behind because my car was applying brakes automatically without my control. Please help me urgently.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Jul 2025
“On G models of the bmw 5 series. Ac coil leaks r1234yf freon which causes safety issue due to the gas being exposed into the cabin of the car and to the atmosphere. Dealerships wants $5000-7000 for this repair as the whole dash needs to come out. This is almost a guaranteed failure and BMW has failed to recall for this fix. This issue arises usually at 50k-70k miles. There are no lights that come out everything will work but AC will not.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“1. Airbag Light - Repaired on 9/18/23 ( cause : pass. front seat occupancy detection ) a. no explanation needed b. replaced by dealer c. warning chime and message on dash d. Labor and part cost $2380.93 2. Instrument Cluster - Repaired on 9/18/23 ( Blackout , loss of speedometer , fuel level , engine temp. directional indicator , etc. a. Cluster would blink ( on - off ) than total blackout. b. Labor and part cost $1905.28”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2023
“The steering wheel will not go to its set position. BMW Dealer Service ran tests and found that the steering column hall effect sensor is faulty and is integral to the steering column. They have mentioned that the steering wheel adjustment will stop functioning in the future. If the steering wheel column cant be adjusted, it seems to create risky driving conditions for the driver. The dealer has reproduced and confirmed the issue. There were no other symptoms or warning messages.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2022
“Daytime Running Lights on the driver's side are malfunctioning. Connection between headlight housing and the daytime running lights are melted. Dealer found faults stored for headlight malfunction. They recommended replacing headlighthousing and LED module. The dealer has reproduced and confirmed the issue.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2022
“The Instrument Cluster Display Shakes and goes completely black unable to know haw fast Your driving with all the system down You never know when its going to happen”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2022
“as per [XXX] RE: Recall 22V-xxx: Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater - B11 01 22 This should be covered by BMW but they charges us and not refunding review charges below [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2022
“Front Passenger Seat Malfunction - Intermittent on and off warning No risk yet but BMW road aside assist confirmed that air bag might not deploy on passenger side Vehicle inspected by Irvine BMW and warning or concerns shown, just tried to bill me without root causing the issue. Yes the warning comes up on and off. Intermittent.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2021
“Daytime running lights are dim or discolored. SIB 63 04 was issued acknowledging the problem, however repairs are only covered under the new vehicle warranty. In most cases, the issue occurs after the new vehicle warranty has expired.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2021
Recalls - 1 campaign
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
How other years compare
Check your exact 540I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2017 BMW 540I reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2017 BMW 540I. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2017 BMW 540I have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.