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2001 BMW 540iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2001 BMW 540ia, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage65kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 16, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 BMW 540ia has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling30
Air bags10
Electrical system10
Power train10
Seat belts10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2001 BMW 540ia 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.

–no report yet

Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 03V-421 · Oct 24, 2003 · 23,000 vehicles

Risk. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG(S).

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2001 vs. every other 540ia 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 540ia median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 540ia owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

RADIATOR CRACKED, DISABLING CAR ON HIGHWAY. ALSO CAUSED XENON LAMP FAILURE. REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT ON BMW E-39 SERIES CARS. *JB
Complaint 10109932 · Feb 6, 2005 · 36,000 miles
2001 BMW 540I AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; APPROXIMATELY 57,000 MILES; RADIATOR CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS; SIGNIFICANT STEAM RESULTING IN OBSCURRED VIEW OF THE ROADWAY AND OTHER VEHICLES; CAR TAKEN TO LOCAL REPAIR CENTER; AWAITING COST ESTIMATE AND FULL DAMAGE REPORT. *AK
Complaint 10100661 · Nov 28, 2004 · 57,000 miles

Own a 2001 540ia?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.