BMW Recalls 2020-2021 Models for Driveshaft Breakage Risk
BMW is recalling specific 2020-2021 530i, 540i, and 740Li vehicles because output shafts may break due to a manufacturing error, potentially causing loss of drive power or rollaway.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (driveshaft) that can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The recall addresses a defect in the output shafts, which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels. These components may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
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. This increases the risk of a crash. The recall began on March 24, 2021.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s) free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW 530I, 540I, 740LI
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — Drivetrain
- Affected units
- 28
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- 530I
- 540I
- 740LI
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · BMW
- SevereBMW Recalls 2021-2024 R 18 Motorcycles for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-07
- SevereBMW X3 Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Steering Control
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Power and Rollaway Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW S 1000 RR Motorcycles Recalled Due to Potential Engine Stall Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-23
- SevereBMW and Toyota vehicles recalled due to engine starter fire risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
Same manufacturer · BMW of North America, LLC
See all →- SevereBMW Recalls 29,119 Vehicles Due to Starter Relay Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
- SevereBMW Recalls 428 Vehicles for Integrated Brake System Malfunction
NHTSA · 2026-07-01
Same hazard · loss of control
See all →- SevereHyundai Recalls 2026 Models for Wheel Lug Nut Loosening Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-20
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2026 Forester and Crosstrek for Ball Joint Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-19
- SeverePorsche Recalls 2024 Models for Center Lock Wheel Bolt Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereRing Power Recalls Terex Vehicles Due to Potential Pintle Hitch Failure
NHTSA · 2026-10-02
- SevereATC Recalls RM900 and RM700 Trailers Due to Coupler Bolt Loosening
NHTSA · 2026-09-25
Similar recalls
- SevereBMW Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Power and Rollaway Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW Recalls 2024-2025 Models Due to Steering Spindle Breakage Risk
NHTSA · 2024-09-25
- High2022 BMW X4 and Related Models Transmission Rollaway Risk Recall
NHTSA · 2022-02-09
- SevereBMW Recalls 2019-2020 330i and Z4 Models for Engine Bearing Defect
NHTSA · 2019-10-15
- SevereCertain 2019–2021 BMW Models Recalled for Brake System Defect
NHTSA · 2021-02-10
- HighBMW and MINI vehicles brake system failure integrated module welds break
NHTSA · 2024-09-18