RoadVitals

2001 BMW 740I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Jan 23, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 27, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 BMW 740I, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 8 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine523.8%
  • Suspension314.3%
  • Electrical314.3%
  • Airbags314.3%
  • Visibility29.5%
  • Steering29.5%
  • Seat belts14.8%
  • Transmission14.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10E021000

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

May 27, 2010
150 units potentially affected
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
FCP GROTON, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
02V138000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

May 16, 2002
1,550 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov
01V206000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Jun 21, 2001
76,469 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 15
Filed Jan 23, 2022

On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods. I have not taken it to a mechanic or tire shop yet, so I still have the rim that has the remnants of the sidewall attached to it as well as the tread portion of the tire for inspection. I didn't hit a pothole and wasn't aware of any object that I ran over. It was a sunny day; the pavement was dry and it was about 45 degrees. The tires were filled with nitrogen. I inspected all tires before I started driving and I didn't see anything unusual or previous damage. There were no warning lamps or messages before my tire EXPLODED. The car did sustain damage to the driver's side rear bumper cover and possibly suspension components. All four tires were purchased from Costco in September 2020 when the vehicle had 113,429 miles. The vehicle currently has 114,668 miles on the odometer and approx. had 114,648 miles on it at the time of the incident. All four tires are Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. The front has 235/50ZR 18 and the rear has // had 255/45ZR 18.

NHTSA ID
11448540
Incident
Jan 22, 2022
AirbagsElectricalVisibility
Filed Jul 25, 2020

VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BACK TO CLOSE DRIVER DOOR. AS I APPROACHED THE VEHICLE TO CLOSE DRVER SIDE DOOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGE SUDDENLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. THERE HAD BEEN NO IMPACT PRIOR TO THIS. IT WAS A HOT DAY.

NHTSA ID
11341442
Incident
Jul 23, 2020
Mileage
230,000 mi
EngineSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 2, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

A CHEVY PICKUP PULLED INTO THE ONE WAY ROAD LEADING TO A HOTEL AND IMMEDIATELY WENT AROUND AN ELLIPSE AND HIT ME AS I WAS EXITING MY HOTEL AND GOT HIT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL WHILE HE WAS PULLING AROUND IN THE ELLIPTICAL ONE WAY DRIVE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF MECHANICAL WORK IN ORDER FOR IT "TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID
11099269
Incident
Oct 28, 2017
Mileage
12,650 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740I. WHILE PULLING INTO A FUEL STATION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10904829
Incident
May 16, 2016
Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT WIRES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 9/9/14*CN UPDATED 1/20/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID
10609636
Incident
Jul 6, 2014
Mileage
75,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 2, 2012

THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER PURGE LINE IS BLOCKED AND IS CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO COLLAPSE. *KB

NHTSA ID
10446243
Incident
Jan 2, 2012
Mileage
100,700 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 29, 2011
1 injury reported

MY DAUGHTER WITH MYSELF AND MY 4 YEAR OLD,RIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DRIVING ON MALLARD CREEK ROAD, ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEAR THIS LOUD 'KABOOM' NOISE THIS CAUSED (FOR SOME REASON) THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DOOR (THE SIDE AIRBAG) TO DEPLOY. WHEN IT DEPLOYED, IT TORE AND THE DOOR FELL APART IN THE INSIDE A STRIP OF DECORATIVE METAL ON THE INTERIOR. THE STRIP WAS ABOUT 2-3 FEET LONG AND HAD BETWEEN 3 AND 5 1" BOLTS PROTRUDING FROM IT. THE METAL STRIP HIT THE DRIVER ON THE ARM AND CAUSED AN ABRASION. WE WERE GREATLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS FOR TWO REASONS: (1) WHY DID THAT PARTICULAR BAG DEPLOY WHEN THERE WAS NO HARD IMPACT AND (2) THE METAL STRIP THAT RIPPED OFF COULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE IN THE EYE OR IN ANOTHER PLACE THAT WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. EVEN AS IT WAS, MY DAUGHTER ARM WAS TOTALLY BRUISED ON HER SHOULDER. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE DEALER AND THE BMW COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT, BMW CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND SAID THE REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED IS WHEN WE CHANGED THE TIRES ON THE CAR WE CHANGED THE SUSPENSION. THE SUSPENSION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING WHILE JUST DRIVING 35MPH AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AS A RESULT OF THIS MY DAUGHTER WAS TRAUMATIZED, AS A PERMITTED DRIVER SHE MAY HAVE LONG LASTING EFFECT, AT THIS POINT SHE IS SCARED TO DRIVE. FINALLY ONCE BMW CHECKED OUT THE PROBLEM THEY AGREED TO FIX THE DEFECT ONLY IF WE AGREED TO CHANGE THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. PLEASE IF YOU CAN ASSIST US IN HELPING GET THIS AIRBAG & THE DOOR FIXED REASON IS IT'S DANGEROUS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH NO AIRBAGS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10398228
Incident
Mar 8, 2011
Seat belts
Filed Mar 31, 2010

I OWN A 2001 BMW THAT I PURCHASED FROM MY FATHER. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT AND HE WAS THE ONLY OWN. THE BACK SEAT BELTS WERE ALMOST NEVER USED UNTIL I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. WITHIN THE PAST THREE MONTHS I HAVE NOTICE THAT WHEN MY TWIN 4 YEAR OLDS ARE BUCKLED IN THEIR BOOSTER SEATS THE SEAT BELTS SPONTANEOUSLY UNBUCKLE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW DIRECTLY AND A LOCAL BMW DEALER. BMW SAYS THAT IT COULD BE WEAR AND TEAR OF THE MECHANISM AND THE DEALER SAID MAYBE IT IS JUST THE AGE OF THE MECHANISM CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS WEAR OUT AND BREAK BUT APPARENTLY AM UNDER THE FALSE IMPRESSION THAT MY SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAG WILL PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY IN A CRASH. BMW WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PART. THE TWO BELTS WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $200 EACH PLUS LABOR. I AM VERY CONCERNED MY CHILDREN WILL BE INJURED SHOULD I BE INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH.

NHTSA ID
10322983
Incident
Mar 30, 2010
Mileage
143,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B160623

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

B653423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

B662419

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

B650916

EQUIPMENT

Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide

B122917

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 740I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025030—
2024350—
2023109048.3
2022000—
2021120—
2020120—
2019410—
2018500—
2017700—
2016120027.1
2015110—
2014110—
2013110—
2012410—
2001Viewing154055.6
2000122049.2
1999810—
1998810—
1997330—
1996130—
1995950—
1994720—
1993152048.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.