repaired · 2020 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2002 BMW 540iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW 540i, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-015 the manufacturer reports only 23% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 14, 2019. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 BMW 540i has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Electrical system
5Steering
2Engine
2Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Exterior lighting
1Fuel system, gasoline
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2002 BMW 540i 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 · 2017 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
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
2002 vs. every other 540i 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 540i median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 540i owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK TEN ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST THIRTY TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
AFTER STARTING UP MY CAR, THERE WAS A SLIGHT WHINE UNDER THE HOOD. I GAVE THE CAR A LITTLE BIT OF THROTTLE TO SEE IF THE WHINE WENT AWAY AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BUT MY BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON. I NEEDED TO GET HOME, AND I THOUGHT THAT MY CAR MAY NOT START AGAIN IF I TURNED IT…
I WAS DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHEN I NOTICED THE STEERING FELT A LITTLE STIFFER THAN USUAL. AFTER ABOUT 5 MILES AND BETTER FLOWING TRAFFIC I PULLED INTO A RESTAURANT FOR DINNER WHEN MY UPPER RADIATOR HOSE EXPLODED. I PULLED INTO A STALL AND OPENED THE HOOD TO INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED. THE HOSE…
Own a 2002 540i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.