NHTSA Defect Petition: Driveshaft to Rear Differential Connection Failure in 2022 BMW 540I (DP26-009)
Opened September 14, 2026 · BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA opened a defect petition review (DP26-009) on September 14, 2026 into driveshaft to rear differential connection failure in 2022 BMW 540I. The investigation is open.
DP26-009 at a glance
| NHTSA action number | DP26-009 |
|---|---|
| Type | Defect Petition |
| Opened | September 14, 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Vehicles | 2022 BMW 540I |
| Component | Power Train > Driveline > Driveshaft |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Resulting recall | None listed |
What is NHTSA investigating in the BMW 540I?
From NHTSA’s investigation summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received on September 1, 2026 a defect petition dated August 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into an alleged defect in BMW rear differential assemblies.
The petitioner alleges Model year (MY) 2022 BMW 540i vehicles are experiencing a sudden mechanical failure that severs the drive connection between the driveshaft and the rear wheels.
This defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.
BMW filed Safety Recall 26V525 on August 12, 2026.
The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11761650.
What is a defect petition review?
Defect Petition is a review of a petition, usually filed by an owner, asking NHTSA to open a defect investigation. NHTSA decides whether to grant or deny it.
Did this investigation lead to a recall?
Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.
Which vehicles are part of this investigation?
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | BMW | 540I |
What are BMW 540I owners reporting to NHTSA?
NHTSA’s public database lists 6 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
What should owners do?
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
- If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
- Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
- File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
- If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.
Recalls on the same vehicles
- 2022-2026 BMW 840I Driveshaft Recall (26V525)
- 2023-2024 BMW X1 Stability Control Control Module Recall (24V697)
- 2021 BMW 230I Seat Belt Recall (21V554)
- 2021 BMW X3 Backup Camera Software Recall (21V096)
- 2021 BMW 530I Driveshaft Recall (21V046)
- 2021 BMW M340I 12-Volt Battery Recall (20V761)
- 2021 BMW X3 Backup Camera Recall (20V598)
Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?
Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).
An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA investigation, recall and complaint data, accessed October 7, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.22
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq., Founder and Managing Attorney of America’s Lemon Lawyer (Wynn Law Group, APC). Licensed by the State Bar of California, No. 362320. His practice focuses on California lemon law under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
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Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page reports public NHTSA data and is general information, not legal advice. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.