2020-2026 BMW 840I, 2020-2026 BMW 840I Xdrive, 2021-2023 BMW 540I and 3 more models recall: Loss of Rear Wheel Power from Driveshaft Damage
Report received by NHTSA: Aug. 12, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
BMW 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 vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
- The risk
An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Who's affected
36,823 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2020-2026 BMW 840I, 2020-2026 BMW 840I Xdrive, 2021-2023 BMW 540I, 2021-2023 BMW 540I Xdrive, 2024-2026 BMW 750E Xdrive, 2021-2023 BMW M550I.
- Compared with
BMW of North America, LLC has 14 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 23 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
285 earlier NHTSA recalls by BMW of North America, LLC since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- Aug. 12, 2026 2024-2026 BMW X3 recall: Incorrectly Attached Steering Spindle
- July 23, 2026 2020-2026 BMW S 1000 RR recall: Ignition Lock May Fail and Cause Engine Stall
- July 8, 2026 2016-2018 BMW 330E Iperformance, 2018-2020 BMW 530E Iperformance, 2018-2020 BMW 530E Xdrive Iperformance and 1 more model recall: Park Outside: Engine Starter May Corrode and Overheat
- July 1, 2026 2023-2025 BMW 740I, 2023-2025 BMW 740I Xdrive, 2023-2025 BMW 760I Xdrive and 15 more models recall: Integrated Brake System Malfunction
- May 14, 2026 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution recall: DC/DC Converter Electrical Connection May Corrode (agency record)
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- BMW 540I 2021-2023
- BMW 540I Xdrive 2021-2023
- BMW 750E Xdrive 2024-2026
- BMW 840I 2020-2026
- BMW 840I Xdrive 2020-2026
- BMW M550I 2021-2023
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V525000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | POWER TRAIN |
| Report received by NHTSA | Aug. 12, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 36,823 vehicles |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record