Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Bmw 540I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

15 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

89,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 15 complaints (26.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues320.0%
Transmission and shifting213.3%
Steering behavior213.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
4
Electrical System
3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Steering
2
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
Electrical System:Ignition
1
Electrical System:Wiring
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags4
Electrical System3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2
Steering2
Air Bags:Side/Window1
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery1
Electrical System:Ignition1
Electrical System:Wiring1

Air Bags: 4; Electrical System: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Steering: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
1
2002
1
2003
1
2005
1
2009
2
2010
1
2011
1
2014
1
2015
1
2016
1
2017
1
2020
1
2023
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20011
20021
20031
20051
20092
20101
20111
20141
20151
20161
20171
20201
20231
20261

2001: 1; 2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2005: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2020: 1; 2023: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10002772 · 2003-01-16 (January 16, 2003)

BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.

Owner-reported narrative. 127 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002772 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10144779 · 2005-12-08 (December 8, 2005)

I OWN A 2001 BMW 540I. I WILL PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL MOVE REALLY SLOW, AS I GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL ONLY REV UP THEN JUMP INTO GEAR. THIS WILL CAUSE A VERY STRONG JERK TO THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES, I FEEL THAT IT IS MUCH TOO SOON FOR A $65,000 CAR TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW TO FIND OUT THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. (COST $5600) I HAVE NOT FIX THE CAR IN HOPE THAT I WILL FIND A SOLUTION FOR BMW TO FIX IT. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10144779 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10257554 · 2009-02-05 (February 5, 2009)

ON MY 2001 BMW 540I WITH 84000 MILES WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WILL NOT REVERSE JUST FILLS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 84,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10257554 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10262484 · 2009-03-19 (March 19, 2009)

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FAULTY THERMOSTAT CAUSED ALL WIRING TO MELT AND LEAD TO A DAMAGE OF MAIN COMPUTER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10262484 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10331632 · 2010-05-21 (May 21, 2010)

3RD (HIGH) TAIL LIGHT BULB AND SOCKET OVERHEATS AND MELTS, RENDERING THE LIGHT INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10331632 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10382233 · 2011-02-10 (February 10, 2011)

2001 BMW 540I REVERSE GEAR FAILURE ON ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) TRANSMISSION. MY BMW WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE REVERSE, CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS STILL IN NEUTRAL.

Owner-reported narrative. 73,263 miles reported. Look up ODI 10382233 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10564400 · 2014-02-14 (February 14, 2014)

POWER STEERING BRACKETS ON THESE CARS BREAK. HAPPENED TO ME AND THREW A BELT DURING A TURN. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING WHEN THE BRACKET BREAKS AND THE BELT IS THROWN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU SEARCH ON BMW FORUMS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW! THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. OTHER OWNERS REPORT MULTIPLE INSTANCES AS WELL. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10564400 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10714790 · 2015-05-05 (May 5, 2015)

THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2001 BMW 540I SNAPPED ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PIECES OF THE BRACKET RESULTING IN MY BELTS AND PULLEYS TO BE THROWN AND DESTROYED. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING. THIS IS BECOMING A MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM ON THE E39 STYLE 1997-2003 BMW 540I'S. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 130,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10714790 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

01V206000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Reported: 2001-06-21 (June 21, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
02V138000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Reported: 2002-05-16 (May 16, 2002)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V421000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Reported: 2003-10-24 (October 24, 2003)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL, MAY HAVE A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPONENTS.

Consequence: UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG(S). IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL MAY ALSO BE ACTIVATED. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE STARTER CABLE WOULD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY, AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V015000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-01-14 (January 14, 2019)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

15 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

73.3%Usable mileage11 / 15 records
100.0%Valid incident date15 / 15 records
100.0%Valid filing date15 / 15 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates15 / 15 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201720182019202020212022202320242025
Air Bags
525.0%
ODI 11448893

Front Passenger Seat Malfunction - Intermittent on and off warning No risk yet but BMW road aside assist confirmed that air bag might not deploy on passenger side Vehicle inspected by Irvine BMW and warning or concerns shown, just tried to bill me without root causing the issue. Yes the warning comes up on and off. Intermittent.

Look up ODI 11448893 at NHTSA ↗

1445.2%
ODI 11109656

RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE ON BMW 540I 2018, WITH 10600 MILES. PURCHASED AS FACTORY DEMO A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. WILL BE TAKING IT TO SERVICE SOON. HOWEVER I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A LONG STANDING ISSUE WITH BMW-S THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT CORRECTING OR ISSUING RECALLS.

Look up ODI 11109656 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 11421080 · 18,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the failure recurred. The contact continuously depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lunged forward and collided with a barrier and crashed into his neighbor's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The contact was not treated for any injuries. A police report was not filed. The contact had taken the v…

Look up ODI 11421080 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11677962

Passenger Restraint service message. Possibly related to airbag seat or floor sensor. Checked BMW customer forums and appears to be widespread issue.

Look up ODI 11677962 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
420.0%
ODI 11403652 · 21,000 mi

BACKUP CAMERA IS BLACKING OUT. VERY DANGEROUS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2018-19 BMW'S BUT NOT FOR 2017 BMWS. FORUMS ALSO REPORT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS REVERSE CAMERA.

Look up ODI 11403652 at NHTSA ↗

412.9%
ODI 11460740

The vehicle was at a complete stop, when the gas pedal was tapped to move forward slightly the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control. There was an attempt to apply the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate and "Drive Train Malfunction" began to flash on the dashboard of the vehicle. The vehicle proceeded to accelerate as it jumped a curb, crashed into a ditch, before finally becoming lodged in a fence and coming to a complete stop when half of the vehicle was lifted off of the ground. The driver of the vehicle suffered a frac…

Look up ODI 11460740 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 11324466 · 8,323 mi

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR CHASSIS STABILIZATION AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP ALLEGES A RODENT GNAWED ON A ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS FAILED TO MAKE NECESSARY DESIGN CHANGES TO MAKE THESE WIRING HARNESSES INACCESSIBLE TO RODENTS. MY CASE IS NOT THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO BUT A FIRE COULD HAVE STARTED, MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE BECOME I…

Look up ODI 11324466 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11585538

BMW G30 chassis vehicles equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo have multiple owners reporting on Bimmerpost owners forum that water incursion damages the front door midrange speakers on both sides of the vehicle due to poor water drainage design. Water is causing the speakers to short out and stop functioning. This is also happening to owners of the BMW F90 chassis with the Bowers & Wilkins optioned stereo speakers. Stock stereo and Harmon Kardon systems seem not to be impacted by this issue.

Look up ODI 11585538 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 11749530

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.

Look up ODI 11749530 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11513257

On Feb.3, 2023, my wife made a turn into a parking lot. She was driving our 2022 BMW 540. She paused and the engine began to rev up. It then shot forward nearly 50 feet and hurled her over a meridian into another car. She pressed as hard as she could on the brake and suffered a torn meniscus ligament. There were no warning lights and although the car hit front right, no airbags were executed. BMW has not sent an official detailed report from their engineer. BMW advertises brake override so pressing both the brake and accelerator would NOT r…

Look up ODI 11513257 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
210.0%
ODI 11630787

Vehicle has severely poor quality coolant hoses made from poor quality material that cannot withstand the flow of pressure within the coolant system process. Leading to the hoses deteriorating from internal pressure thus causing the coolant hoses to leak. The coolant sensors only indicate low coolant levels when there is, 1 and 3/4 inches of coolant liquid left which is 70% lower than the minimum coolant line within the main coolant reservoir which can then lead to engine failure that could result into a vehicle accident or wreck causing injury…

Look up ODI 11630787 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 11383989 · 32,000 mi

WHEN BRAKING TO COME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO OVER 5000 RPM. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR TO GET IT TO STOP. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, IT IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP TO OVER 7000, WHILE I STOOD ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT IT FROM MOVING. SHUT IT OFF AGAIN, PUT FLASHERS ON AND WAITED A MINUTE. RESTARTED AND IT PERFORMED NORMALLY.

Look up ODI 11383989 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 11726908

I own a 2019 BMW 540 with B58 engine and I have begun noticing abnormal rattling noise from the engine area, which may indicate early stage failure of the oil pump assembly. There are widespread reports from other owners of failure of the oil pump rotor housing/adjusting ring due to heat-related degradation of plastic components. Failure of this component can lead to sudden loss of oil pressure, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and ultimately engine seizure while driving. Sudden engine failure at speed presents a significant safety hazard due t…

Look up ODI 11726908 at NHTSA ↗

266.7%
ODI 11713345

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 catastrophic internal pump failure, resulting in an immediate "Low Oil Pressure" warning and forced engine shutdown. Safety Hazard: Stalling at Speed: This defect causes an immediate loss of propulsion. If this occurs during highway merging or high-speed m…

Look up ODI 11713345 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 11749530

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.

Look up ODI 11749530 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11513257

On Feb.3, 2023, my wife made a turn into a parking lot. She was driving our 2022 BMW 540. She paused and the engine began to rev up. It then shot forward nearly 50 feet and hurled her over a meridian into another car. She pressed as hard as she could on the brake and suffered a torn meniscus ligament. There were no warning lights and although the car hit front right, no airbags were executed. BMW has not sent an official detailed report from their engineer. BMW advertises brake override so pressing both the brake and accelerator would NOT r…

Look up ODI 11513257 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
315.0%
ODI 11075186 · 7,500 mi

I HAD DROPPED OFF THE VEHICLE FOR SWAPPING OUT MY WINTER TIRES FOR ALL SEASON TIRES. THEIR TECHNICIANS REMOVED THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCHES AND INSTALLED THEM INCORRECTLY. THIS WORK WAS NEITHER APPROVED BY ME OR MENTIONED ON THE WORK ORDER. I WAS ALSO NOT VERBALLY INFORMED OF THIS WORK BEING PERFORMED. THIS WORK WAS CLEARLY NOT TESTED OR COMPLETED PROPERLY BY THEIR TECHNICIANS. IT CAUSED THE REAR SEAT BELTS TO NOT LATCH INTO PLACE CORRECTLY AND I WAS UNABLE TO INSTALL MY CHILD'S CAR SEAT TO THE CAR SECURELY. THE WORK WAS PERFORMED BY BMW OF SP…

Look up ODI 11075186 at NHTSA ↗

1135.5%
ODI 11109656

RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE ON BMW 540I 2018, WITH 10600 MILES. PURCHASED AS FACTORY DEMO A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. WILL BE TAKING IT TO SERVICE SOON. HOWEVER I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A LONG STANDING ISSUE WITH BMW-S THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT CORRECTING OR ISSUING RECALLS.

Look up ODI 11109656 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 11490291 · 10,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the front and rear passenger’s and driver’s side seat belts failed to detach after being connected. The contact stated that he forced the rear passenger’s side seat belt to detach with a screwdriver. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer stated that candy was lodged in the buckle. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. Th…

Look up ODI 11490291 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11677962

Passenger Restraint service message. Possibly related to airbag seat or floor sensor. Checked BMW customer forums and appears to be widespread issue.

Look up ODI 11677962 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
420.0%
ODI 11448893

Front Passenger Seat Malfunction - Intermittent on and off warning No risk yet but BMW road aside assist confirmed that air bag might not deploy on passenger side Vehicle inspected by Irvine BMW and warning or concerns shown, just tried to bill me without root causing the issue. Yes the warning comes up on and off. Intermittent.

Look up ODI 11448893 at NHTSA ↗

1032.3%
ODI 11110925 · 6,500 mi

FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, MY CAR HAS BEEN THROWING A "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" ERROR. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND ONLY STAYS UP FOR BETWEEN 1 AND 5 MINUTES AT A TIME. IT WILL HAPPEN WHETHER THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT, AND EVEN SOMETIMES AS SOON AS I TURN THE CAR ON. I HAVE BEEN SUBMITTING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SINCE IT STARTED. I TRIED TO HAVE IT FIXED BY THOMPSON BMW, ONLY TO BE TOLD, LIKE THE OTHER USER WHO HAS THIS PROBLEM ON HERE, THAT THEY THINK MOISTURE IS THE CULPRIT. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY RAIN OR ANY OTHER MOISTURE GET INTO THE…

Look up ODI 11110925 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
15.0%
ODI 11508276

The steering wheel will not go to its set position. BMW Dealer Service ran tests and found that the steering column hall effect sensor is faulty and is integral to the steering column. They have mentioned that the steering wheel adjustment will stop functioning in the future. If the steering wheel column cant be adjusted, it seems to create risky driving conditions for the driver. The dealer has reproduced and confirmed the issue. There were no other symptoms or warning messages.

Look up ODI 11508276 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 11488196

Intermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the low-profile wheels could be the issue. Also, feel that the wheels are poorly made and are prone to being warped.

Look up ODI 11488196 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
15.0%
ODI 11382938

"REFILL COOLANT" INDICATOR DISPLAYS EVEN WITH FULL RESERVOIRS. TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALER SO FAR, FOR REPAIRS. COMES ON WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN PARKED, AFTER DRIVING; AFTER OPENING DRIVER DOOR. FOR EXAMPLE, DRIVE ONE DAY. PARKED OVER NIGHT. MESSAGE DISPLAYS NEXT DAY WHEN DRIVER DOOR IS OPENED. GOES AWAY AGAIN AFTER A DRIVE, WITHOUT ADDING ANY FLUID. SAME EXACT ISSUE AS OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING HERE: HTTPS://G30.BIMMERPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1526216&PAGE=1

Look up ODI 11382938 at NHTSA ↗

26.5%
ODI 11460740

The vehicle was at a complete stop, when the gas pedal was tapped to move forward slightly the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control. There was an attempt to apply the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate and "Drive Train Malfunction" began to flash on the dashboard of the vehicle. The vehicle proceeded to accelerate as it jumped a curb, crashed into a ditch, before finally becoming lodged in a fence and coming to a complete stop when half of the vehicle was lifted off of the ground. The driver of the vehicle suffered a frac…

Look up ODI 11460740 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 11324466 · 8,323 mi

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR CHASSIS STABILIZATION AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP ALLEGES A RODENT GNAWED ON A ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS FAILED TO MAKE NECESSARY DESIGN CHANGES TO MAKE THESE WIRING HARNESSES INACCESSIBLE TO RODENTS. MY CASE IS NOT THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO BUT A FIRE COULD HAVE STARTED, MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE BECOME I…

Look up ODI 11324466 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

333.3%
ODI 11727007 · 66,700 mi

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 rep…

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350.0%
ODI 11715820

While turning my 2022 BMW 540i onto a busy, 50 MPH road, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain failure, without any physical trauma such as encountering a curb or pothole. The car experienced a total and immediate loss of motive power (propulsion), leaving me coasting in live traffic. This created an extreme safety hazard as I was unable to accelerate or maintain speed to clear the roadway safely. The failure occurred immediately after a significant temperature stress: taken from a heated garage, driven with no issue for 40 minutes, …

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range105,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10882005 · 75,000 mi

POSSIBLE TAKATA INFLATOR: AT FIRST THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON OCCASIONALLY AND NOW THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON ALL AT THE TIME.

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ODI 10990793 · 156,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL: BOTH THE MANUFACTURER (BMW NORTH AMERICA) AND THE LOCAL DEALER (UNITED BMW OF ROSWELL, GA) ARE REFUSING TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE REFERENCED VEHICLE, PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 17V-047. DEALER CLAIMS THAT NO INSPECTION IS REQUIRED SINCE MANUFACTURE'S SERVICE RECORDS FOR THIS VIN SHOW THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT" WAS REPLACED 6/22/04. HOWEVER, THE OPEN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THIS VEHICLE NOTES THAT THE INFLATOR MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED PREVIOUSLY BUT THAT THE INFLATOR THAT WAS REPLACED STILL NEE…

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ODI 11513083 · 105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact st…

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range49,064 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10002772 · 127 mi

BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.

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ODI 10331632 · 98,000 mi

3RD (HIGH) TAIL LIGHT BULB AND SOCKET OVERHEATS AND MELTS, RENDERING THE LIGHT INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

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Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range77,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10144779 · 70,000 mi

I OWN A 2001 BMW 540I. I WILL PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL MOVE REALLY SLOW, AS I GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL ONLY REV UP THEN JUMP INTO GEAR. THIS WILL CAUSE A VERY STRONG JERK TO THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES, I FEEL THAT IT IS MUCH TOO SOON FOR A $65,000 CAR TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW TO FIND OUT THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. (COST $5600) I HAVE NOT FIX THE CAR IN HOPE THAT I WILL FIND A SOLUTION FOR BMW TO FIX IT. *NM

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ODI 10257554 · 84,000 mi

ON MY 2001 BMW 540I WITH 84000 MILES WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WILL NOT REVERSE JUST FILLS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *TR

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SteeringToo few reports for a range109,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10564400 · 89,000 mi

POWER STEERING BRACKETS ON THESE CARS BREAK. HAPPENED TO ME AND THREW A BELT DURING A TURN. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING WHEN THE BRACKET BREAKS AND THE BELT IS THROWN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU SEARCH ON BMW FORUMS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW! THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. OTHER OWNERS REPORT MULTIPLE INSTANCES AS WELL. *TR

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ODI 10714790 · 130,000 mi

THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2001 BMW 540I SNAPPED ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PIECES OF THE BRACKET RESULTING IN MY BELTS AND PULLEYS TO BE THROWN AND DESTROYED. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING. THIS IS BECOMING A MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM ON THE E39 STYLE 1997-2003 BMW 540I'S. *TR

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Electrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryToo few reports for a range105,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11513083 · 105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact st…

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Electrical System:WiringToo few reports for a range127 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10002772 · 127 mi

BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.

Look up ODI 10002772 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-031None
ODI 11721725

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (17V047000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Look up ODI 11721725 at NHTSA ↗

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022011
2023244
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2022600
2023500

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsElectrical SystemPower Train:Automatic TransmissionSteeringAir Bags:Side/WindowElectrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical System:Wiring
Air Bags—0000
1
ODI 11513083 · 105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact st…

Look up ODI 11513083 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System0—00000
1
ODI 10002772 · 127 mi

BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.

Look up ODI 10002772 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission00—00000
Steering000—0000
Air Bags:Side/Window0000—000
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
ODI 11513083 · 105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact st…

Look up ODI 11513083 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Electrical System:Ignition000000—0
Electrical System:Wiring0
1
ODI 10002772 · 127 mi

BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.

Look up ODI 10002772 at NHTSA ↗

00000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 13.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 109,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10564400 · 89,000 mi

POWER STEERING BRACKETS ON THESE CARS BREAK. HAPPENED TO ME AND THREW A BELT DURING A TURN. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING WHEN THE BRACKET BREAKS AND THE BELT IS THROWN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU SEARCH ON BMW FORUMS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW! THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. OTHER OWNERS REPORT MULTIPLE INSTANCES AS WELL. *TR

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ODI 10714790 · 130,000 mi

THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2001 BMW 540I SNAPPED ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PIECES OF THE BRACKET RESULTING IN MY BELTS AND PULLEYS TO BE THROWN AND DESTROYED. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING. THIS IS BECOMING A MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM ON THE E39 STYLE 1997-2003 BMW 540I'S. *TR

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 13.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 105,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11513083 · 105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact st…

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ODI 884456

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE/ TOP AIRBAGS EXPLODED. AFTER THEY EXPLODED, WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALER GAVE CONSUMER A LOANER CAR . CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED.*AK

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10144779 · 70,000 mi

I OWN A 2001 BMW 540I. I WILL PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL MOVE REALLY SLOW, AS I GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL ONLY REV UP THEN JUMP INTO GEAR. THIS WILL CAUSE A VERY STRONG JERK TO THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES, I FEEL THAT IT IS MUCH TOO SOON FOR A $65,000 CAR TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW TO FIND OUT THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. (COST $5600) I HAVE NOT FIX THE CAR IN HOPE THAT I WILL FIND A SOLUTION FOR BMW TO FIX IT. *NM

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b