2021 BMW 540I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 33%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 BMW 540I, 33% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,700 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in drive(D) or reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a driveshaft failure. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11727007, filed 2026-03, 66,700 miles“Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer. Multiple waring lamps and messages appeared. Dealer report stated: STARTER MOTOR FAULTY. ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONCERN: C/S: REPEAT START ATTEMPT INTERMITTEN WARNING LIGHTS. Please issue recall for the safety of all drivers.”
NHTSA complaint #11749530, filed 2026-07Related recalls
- 26V525000Aug 12, 2026BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive…Covers: BMW 540I 2021–2023, 840I 2020–2026, 750E 2024–2026 +1 more
- 21V046000Feb 3, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which…Covers: BMW 540I 2020–2021, 530I 2020–2021, 740LI 2021
Related service bulletins
- 10242688Aug 1, 2023?A software error may cause an unwanted pressure pulsation in the transmission during a "Remote Engine Start."
- 10239603Jun 1, 2023BMW AG has issued an Emissions Recall (effective March 17, 2023) on a certain Model Year 2021 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between June 16, 2020, and December 13, 2022…
- 10235178Mar 1, 2023BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off.
- 10233157Feb 1, 2023There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 4 | 67% |
| 2021 | 3 | 33% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2001 | 3 | 20% |
| 1999 | 3 | 14% |
| 1998 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1995 | 2 | 20% |
| 1994 | 4 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW 540I
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 BMW 540I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology