VehicleVerdict

2019 BMW 540i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2019 BMW 540i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other 540i years?

540i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted57 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 12 complaints1995: 15 complaints1997: 31 complaints1998: 28 complaints1999: 29 complaints2000: 36 complaints2001: 18 complaints2002: 17 complaints2003: 9 complaints2017: 33 complaints2018: 57 complaints2019: 14 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 10 complaints2022: 7 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 10 complaints2025: 1 complaints
540i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 540i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 BMW 540i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control321%
Other321%
Transmission214%
Engine17%
Fuel System17%
Airbags17%
Visibility & Wipers17%
Driver Assistance17%
Electrical System17%

Does the 2019 BMW 540i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V684000Driver AssistanceSeptember 27, 2019 · 257,473 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Radiator Grill does not open when running. It remains in the close position. It started with the engine symbol that appeared on the dash. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 8, 2022

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540i. The contact stated that while slowly driving into the driveway the vehicle erroneously accelerated forward at a high rate of speed and crashed into the garage door. The contact indicated that during the incident the brake pedal was being pressed but the vehicle did…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 1, 2026 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact pressed the button on the gear shifter and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL. The contact then shifted back into DRIVE. The contact continued driving with no further issues. However, the contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2021

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the failure recurred. The contact continuously depressed the accelerator…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 26, 2021 · crash

“MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR CHASSIS STABILIZATION AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP ALLEGES A RODENT GNAWED ON A ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS OCCURS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 8, 2020

2019 BMW 540i — common questions

Is the 2019 BMW 540i reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 540i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (3 complaints), speed control (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2019 BMW 540i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 BMW 540i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 540i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 540i years to avoid are 2018, 2000, 2017, 1997. The cleanest record among 540i years belongs to 1993.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.