Recall 21V046 affects 28 2020-2021 BMW 530I, 540I, and 740LI vehicles for output shafts that can break. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 28 2020-2021 530I, 540I, and 740LI vehicles because the left or right output shaft can break after a supplier heat treatment error. A broken shaft can cause loss of drive power or a parked-vehicle rollaway when the parking brake is not engaged, increasing crash risk; BMW dealers will replace the shafts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The output shaft on affected 2020-2021 BMW 530I, 540I, and 740LI vehicles is part of the rear driveline. It carries turning force from the driveshaft out to the rear wheels, so the engine's power reaches the road. Each shaft has to stay strong under repeated twisting force.
On these vehicles, the left or right output shaft was not heat-treated correctly during supplier production. Heat treatment hardens the metal to the required depth, and a damaged production sensor let that process run outside BMW's specification. A shaft that is not hardened correctly can break under load.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would not have a reliable sound, light, or driving feel that confirms the shaft is about to break.
Who's affected?
Spans the 530I, 540I, and 740LI sedans across the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the driveline output shaft.
| 2020 BMW 530I | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 530I | driveline |
| 2020 BMW 540I | driveline |
| 2021 BMW 540I | driveline |
| 2021 BMW 740LI | driveline |
| Units affected | 28 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020-2021 BMW 530I, 540I, or 740LI sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken output shaft can cause loss of drive power while driving or let a parked vehicle roll away when the parking brake is not engaged, increasing crash risk. Use the parking brake whenever parked and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020-2021 BMW 530I, 540I, or 740LI is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free output-shaft replacement that restores the driveline connection to the rear wheels.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V046 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
- Avoid driving if the vehicle loses drive power, and ask the dealer how to move it safely.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the left or right output shaft that transfers power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. BMW uses its standard reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for a related output shaft repair before the recall work was performed. Bring the repair invoice, proof of payment, and any BMW service paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 3, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 3, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 3, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 29, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V046?
Recall 21V046 covers 28 2020-2021 BMW 530I, 540I, and 740LI vehicles with output shafts that can break because of a supplier heat-treatment error. A broken output shaft can cause loss of drive power or a parked-vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 BMW 530I, 540I, or 740LI is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V046. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule output shaft replacement. Reference recall number 21V046 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW dealers will replace the affected output shaft or shafts free of charge. BMW customer service is available at 1-800-525-7417 for recall questions.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway while parked. If an output shaft breaks, the vehicle can lose power to the rear wheels. If the parking brake is not engaged, a parked vehicle can roll away, increasing crash risk.
When did BMW start this recall repair?
BMW began the recall repair on March 24, 2021. Since the remedy is available, an included vehicle can be scheduled with a franchised BMW dealer for output shaft replacement at no charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V046000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V046 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V046000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →