CarRecallDB

2001 BMW 540IA recalls and problems

3 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 540IA.

3
recalls
7
owner complaints
0
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.

2001 BMW 540IA recalls

Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 03V421000 · reported October 24, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 23,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.
The risk
Unexpected deployment of the air bag(s) could cause serious injury if an occupant is too close to the deploying air bag(s). In addition, the battery safety terminal may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.
The fix
Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 02V138000 · reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 1,550 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 01V206000 · reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 76,469 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

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.

May 16, 2017 · Air bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 540IA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY OF 2017. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN 2006 AND DID NOT REQUIRE ANOTHER…

Oct 30, 2009 · Power train · 51,000 miles

TRANSMISSION FROM WORKING PERFECT ONE DAY. AND BOOM THE NEXT MORNING PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT ROLLS BACK AND REVS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL.

Sep 19, 2005 · Electrical system · 90,000 miles

I HAVE A 2001 BMW 540IA […] AND ALL THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS ARE GRADUALLY FAILING. IN ALL CASES THE LIGHTS BULBS ARE OK. FIRST THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED, THEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHT, THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE REVERSING LIGHT, THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT, THEN DRIVERS SIDE HIGH…

Feb 6, 2005 · Engine and engine cooling · 36,000 miles

RADIATOR CRACKED, DISABLING CAR ON HIGHWAY. ALSO CAUSED XENON LAMP FAILURE. REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT ON BMW E-39 SERIES CARS.

Dec 7, 2004 · Engine and engine cooling · 72,000 miles

WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED.

540IA model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0801
2001 3700
2002 1202

All BMW 540IA years →

Questions

Does the 2001 BMW 540IA have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 540IA, the most recent reported on October 24, 2003 (Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 540IA?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (3 complaints), followed by air bags (1).
How many 2001 BMW 540IA complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 16, 2017.