repaired · 2023 Q2
Engine
Risk. Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
2020 BMW 540iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2020 BMW 540i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-598 the manufacturer reports only 94% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 27, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 BMW 540i has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Engine
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2020 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 · 2023 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk…
repaired · 2020 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2021 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases 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
2020 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 engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I am reporting a potential safety concern with my engine. The oil pumps are known to fail due to plastic internal components. BMW has issued a new pump with metal parts, but existing engines are not being helped and if oil pressure drops the car can suddenly stop in traffic, creating a safety…
Component: Engine Oil Pump (Plastic Internal Variant) Safety Risk: Sudden Loss of Motive Power / Engine Seizure Defect Description: The oil pump in the BMW B58 engine utilizes a plastic tensioning/adjusting ring that is prone to brittle fracture. At only 38,000 miles, my vehicle suffered a…
Own a 2020 540i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.