Known Recalls

Model year record

2017 BMW 540I

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 33 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V243000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
33
Reported to NHTSA
2020-04-29
Owners notified
2020-06-24

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Air bags5—
Electrical system421,000 mi
Seats4—
Seat belts37,500 mi
Engine2—
Exterior lighting2—
Service brakes220,000 mi
Unknown or other221,000 mi
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification1—
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger1—
Back over prevention: warnings1—
Forward collision avoidance: warnings1—
Fuel/propulsion system1—
Power train1—
Steering1—
Tires170,000 mi
Tires: sidewall1—

The 2018 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA21002Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Other BMW 540I model years

20252024202320222021202020192018201720032002200120001999199819971995199419931992199119901989

All BMW 540I recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.