repaired · 2026 Q3
Emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Risk. An EGR valve with smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold increases the risk of an engine fire.
2018 BMW 540dProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2018 BMW 540d, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-588 the manufacturer reports only 87% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 8, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 BMW 540d has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Engine
1Air bags
1Fuel/propulsion system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2018 BMW 540d recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Risk. A melting intake manifold increases the risk of fire.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other 540d year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 540d median. How we score
'18
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 BMW 540d, and the recalls they led to.
- High pressure fuel pump failureLed to recall 24V-957
In owners' words
What 540d owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The 540d has swirl flaps on the intake manifold to regulate air intake so it adjusts how much air the intake manifold feeds the engine. There's an actuator motor that connects to the swirl flap shaft that connects via a plastic linkage. When the linkage breaks, the flaps are no longer controlled by…
There is an exhaust leak which has developed in the turbo. This causes untreated fumes and soot to be emitted in the engine compartment. This untreated exhaust makes its way into the passenger cabin, putting passengers at safety risk due to untreated exhaust fumes entering the cabin. The dealership…
Own a 2018 540d?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.