2004 BMW 545i problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2004 BMW 545i sits mid-pack among 545i years: 77 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 99, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (19), electrical system (16), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
77
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other 545i years?
What are the most common 2004 BMW 545i problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 19 | 25% | new |
| Electrical System | 16 | 21% | new |
| Engine | 12 | 16% | new |
| Transmission | 8 | 10% | new |
| Brakes | 5 | 6% | new |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 6% | new |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | new |
| Seats | 3 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“LOW SPEED CRASH IN FEBUARY 2015 AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON BUT DIDN'T DEPLOY. THIS ITEM HAD BEEN REPLACED DUE TO RECALL IN 2011 AND BMW SAID I HAD TO PAY FOR SEAT MAT THAT MALFUNCTIONED AND TO BE PUT IN. NO PASSENGER IN CAR DURING IMPACT I WAS ALONE. I DON'T FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE MY…”
“ON BMW WITH THE N62 4.4L V8 ENGINE THERE'S AN OIL LEAK ON THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET THAT LEAKS FOR A WHILE UNTIL IT IS INSPECTED AND FOUND IT LEAKS OIL ON THE STEERING COMPONENTS I THINK CAUSING THE STEERING COMPONENTS TO DETERIORATE AFTER A WHILE CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE. THE OIL LEAK EVENTUALLY…”
“ON BMW WITH THE N62 4.4L V8 ENGINE THERE'S AN OIL LEAK ON THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET THAT LEAKS FOR A WHILE UNTIL IT IS INSPECTED AND FOUND IT LEAKS OIL ON THE STEERING COMPONENTS I THINK CAUSING THE STEERING COMPONENTS TO DETERIORATE AFTER A WHILE CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE. THE OIL LEAK EVENTUALLY…”
“WHEN BEGINNING TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLAM TO THE POINT WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS REAR ENDED. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE FIX WAS COSTLY. CONTINUES TO DO THIS AT TIMES AND WILL ALSO DO A SMALLER SCALE SLAM WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT…”
2004 BMW 545i — common questions
Is the 2004 BMW 545i reliable?
It is close to typical for the 545i: 77 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2004 545i problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (19 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), engine (12 complaints).
Does the 2004 BMW 545i have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 BMW 545i.
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.