2001 BMW 540i recalls and problems
The 2001 BMW 540i has 4 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 540i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 BMW 540i recalls
Recall 19V-015: Air Bags
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 03V-421: Air Bags
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.
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Recall 02V-138: Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
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.
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.
Recall 01V-206: Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
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.
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.
2001 BMW 540i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 89,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 BMW 540i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 540i years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 BMW 540i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 BMW 540i: 19V-015 (air bags), 03V-421 (air bags), 02V-138 (engine and engine cooling), 01V-206 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW 540i?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by air bags (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 89,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.