# NHTSA Defect Petition DP26009
> **Driveshaft to rear differential connection failure** · Opened 2026-09-14 · Open
## Investigation
- **Action number:** DP26009
- **Type:** Defect Petition
- **Open date:** 2026-09-14
- **Manufacturer:** BMW of North America, LLC
- **Affected makes:** BMW
- **Affected components:** POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- **Affected model years:** 2022
- **Affected (make, year) variants:** 1
## 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.

## Source
- [NHTSA ODI investigation page](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchResults?searchType=ID&targetCategory=I&searchCriteria.nhtsa_ids=DP26009)
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