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2017 BMW 540i recalls and problems

The 2017 BMW 540i has 1 safety recall and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
20
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 BMW 540i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 BMW 540i recalls

Recall 20V-243: Air Bags

Reported Apr 29, 2020 · 33 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

2017 BMW 540i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags7
Electrical System4
Seats4
Seat Belts3
Service Brakes2
Unknown or Other2
Exterior Lighting2
Tires2
Engine2
Power Train1
Steering1
Back Over Prevention1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,000 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 2017 BMW 540i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 24, 2025
as per [XXX] RE: Recall 22V-xxx: Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater – B11 01 22 This should be covered by BMW but they charges us and not refunding review charges below [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service Brakes · reported Aug 10, 2025
While driving on highways when there is no car in front of me, my car suddenly warns me of collision and applies brakes automatically! This almost caused an accident with the cars behind me. They were about to collide with me from behind because my car was applying brakes automatically without my control. Please help me urgently.
Engine · reported Dec 15, 2024
Vehicle has severely poor quality coolant hoses made from poor quality material that cannot withstand the flow of pressure within the coolant system process. Leading to the hoses deteriorating from internal pressure thus causing the coolant hoses to leak. The coolant sensors only indicate low coolant levels when there is, 1 and 3/4 inches of coolant liquid left which is 70% lower than the minimum coolant line within the main coolant reservoir which can then lead to engine failure that could result into a vehicle accident or wreck causing injury or even death. This problem has been commonly…
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 18, 2024
On G models of the bmw 5 series. Ac coil leaks r1234yf freon which causes safety issue due to the gas being exposed into the cabin of the car and to the atmosphere. Dealerships wants $5000-7000 for this repair as the whole dash needs to come out. This is almost a guaranteed failure and BMW has failed to recall for this fix. This issue arises usually at 50k-70k miles. There are no lights that come out everything will work but AC will not.
Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 6, 2024
Daytime running lights are dim or discolored. SIB 63 04 was issued acknowledging the problem, however repairs are only covered under the new vehicle warranty. In most cases, the issue occurs after the new vehicle warranty has expired.

Other BMW 540i years

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Compare all BMW 540i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 BMW 540i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 BMW 540i: 20V-243 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 BMW 540i?

Owners report air bags problems most often (7 reports), followed by electrical system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,000 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.