1997 BMW 540 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Airbags (3), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Body / structure (2), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
04/15/2011 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 540. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION RING GEAR FAILED AND CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP INTO SAFE MODE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILUR…
05/15/2003 · Airbags
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WEIGHT SYSTEM. *NLM
11/10/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
BURNED OUT ODOMETER/TRIP LEDS. SHOWS PARTIAL NUMBERS AND CHARACTERS ONLY. *AK
02/01/1999 · Wheels / tires
SIDEWALL FAILURE CAUSED HIGH SPEED BLOW OUT. CONTENENTAL SIZE - 225/55R16, DOT033208.
02/01/1999 · Body / structure
STRUCTURE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE (STRUTS BETWEEN WINDOWS) ARE TOO LARGE CAUSING POOR VISIBILTY. YH
02/01/1999 · Body / structure
GLOVE COMPARTMENT LOCK CONTINUALLY FAILING/STICKING, REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND CONTINUES TO STICK. YH
07/01/1997 · Airbags
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AFTER TURNING ON THE IGNITION. *AK
04/17/1997 · Airbags
DRIVER FEELS AIRBAGS ARE A PROBLEM FOR SHORT PEOPLE.