CarRecallDB

2022 BMW 540I recalls and problems

1 recall and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2022 BMW 540I.

1
recalls
6
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2022 BMW 540I recalls

Power train: driveline, driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 26V525000 · reported August 12, 2026 · BMW of North America, LLC · 36,823 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
The risk
An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 2, 2026 · Power train

See attached Petition letter for complaint.

Aug 31, 2026 · Power train

Rear differential failed, internal gears compromised. Noticed problem when going into gear. Vehicle no longer is able to go in gear and will shut off engine. No indication lights prior to failure. Vehicle showed drivetrain error as soon as it had failed. Vehicle was in main road when failure occurred, placing vehicle…

Aug 31, 2026 · Power train

On …, while stopped at a traffic light, I accelerated normally in my 2022 BMW 540i. After moving only a few feet, I heard a loud metallic clank from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle immediately lost all ability to propel itself. It would still shift between gears, but pressing the accelerator would not move the…

Feb 5, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

While turning my 2022 BMW 540i onto a busy, 50 MPH road, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain failure, without any physical trauma such as encountering a curb or pothole. The car experienced a total and immediate loss of motive power (propulsion), leaving me coasting in live traffic. This created an extreme…

Aug 2, 2025 · Air bags

Passenger Restraint service message. Possibly related to airbag seat or floor sensor. Checked BMW customer forums and appears to be widespread issue.

540I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2019 11220
2020 5300
2021 6910
2022 1610
2023 1620
2024 1510
2025 0100

Across all years, the 2000 540I has the most complaints (31). All BMW 540I years →

Questions

Does the 2022 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2022 BMW 540I, the most recent reported on August 12, 2026 (Power train: driveline, driveshaft). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 BMW 540I?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (4 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (2).
How many 2022 BMW 540I complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 6 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 2, 2026.