2023 BMW 740I Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 BMW 740I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes637.5%
- Driver assistance637.5%
- Electrical16.3%
- Engine16.3%
- Powertrain (other)16.3%
- Steering16.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle loses brake pressure at the pedals halfway point when decelerating and attempting to come to a complete stop. The brake pressure is not consistent and requires pushing the pedal to the floor which will grab and release and grab again. The dealerships refuse to acknowledge or test for this. A recall has been issued. A repair has been attempted without resolve. I need your help with independent testing to confirm this.
The contact owns a 2023 BMW 740i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts unavailable.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX] approx [XXX] PM, my 2023 BMW 740i (VIN [XXX], 46,093 mi, software 03/2026.30) suddenly accelerated on its own with no accelerator input from me. I was driving under 30 mph in Odessa, TX, shortly after making a left turn from [XXX] onto [XXX]. Once I felt the acceleration, I gradually braked while checking the HUD, which confirmed cruise control was NOT engaged. I also confirmed the accelerator pedal was not obstructed - the vehicle has only factory BMW all-weather floor mats, no aftermarket mats or parts. The vehicle came under control as I braked. No collision, no damage, no injuries, and no dashboard warning lights before, during, or after. Weather was clear, no precipitation. I purchased this vehicle new in May 2023. After the turning maneuver and settling on a straight path, then the acceleration began, the petal was pressed but the speed exceeded petal demands. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2023 BMW 740i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts unavailable.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX] approx [XXX] PM, my 2023 BMW 740i (VIN [XXX], 46,093 mi, software 03/2026.30) suddenly accelerated on its own with no accelerator input from me. I was driving under 30 mph in Odessa, TX, shortly after making a left turn from [XXX] onto [XXX]. Once I felt the acceleration, I gradually braked while checking the HUD, which confirmed cruise control was NOT engaged. I also confirmed the accelerator pedal was not obstructed - the vehicle has only factory BMW all-weather floor mats, no aftermarket mats or parts. The vehicle came under control as I braked. No collision, no damage, no injuries, and no dashboard warning lights before, during, or after. Weather was clear, no precipitation. I purchased this vehicle new in May 2023. After the turning maneuver and settling on a straight path, then the acceleration began, the petal was pressed but the speed exceeded petal demands. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle Symptom: The vehicle exhibits a persistent rough idle and engine hesitation specifically when at operating temperature. This issue is most prevalent during "Auto Start/Stop" transitions and while idling in heavy traffic. The engine feels as though it may stall, creating a significant safety concern regarding predictable acceleration and vehicle control in live traffic. Safety Risk: The instability of the engine performance creates an unpredictable driving experience. There is a high risk of the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate properly when restarting from a stop, which could lead to a rear-end collision or leave the vehicle stranded in a dangerous intersection. Furthermore, despite these clear drivability issues and the engine's erratic behavior, the vehicle has not illuminated a Check Engine Light (CEL), depriving the driver of a necessary safety warning regarding these malfunctions.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component/System that failed: The rear differential failed internally, causing the left rear axle to separate from the differential housing. BMW’s own service center confirmed there was no external damage or outside force involved. The defective parts are currently with BMW of Manhattan and can be made available for inspection. Safety risk posed: This failure created a significant safety hazard, as drivetrain separation while in motion can lead to loss of vehicle control, wheel lock, or a collision — especially at highway speeds. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but the risk was high. Was the problem confirmed by a dealer? Yes. BMW of Manhattan confirmed the failure in service invoice #1201464. Their technician wrote: “Found left rear axle is popped out of differential. No signs of damage or outside influence. Differential is internally faulty.” The dealership replaced the rear differential and associated components under warranty. Was the vehicle inspected by others? The vehicle was only inspected and repaired by BMW of Manhattan, an authorized dealership. No police or insurance inspection occurred. Warning signs before failure? Yes. The vehicle was brought to the dealership on four separate occasions before the failure due to: •Loud noises from the rear axle area, •causing the abnormal wear and tear of tires , and •Erratic driving behavior. Each time, BMW’s service team stated the vehicle was “in healthy shape.” Additional context: Despite this failure being documented as internal and not customer-induced, BMW North America has refused to accept responsibility or honor a buyback request. The vehicle is used for business purposes under Cuatro Sons Inc. and has now been taken off the road due to the safety risk and unresolved concerns about reliability. We are seeking NHTSA’s investigation and intervention.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
failure of the Thruster bushings are seeping and starting to crack in the Steering If the thrust arm bushings (or thrust rod bushings) on a BMW 7 Series are seeping fluid and beginning to crack, there are some potential risks to be aware of. These bushings are critical components in the suspension system that absorb impacts, reduce vibrations, and maintain proper alignment. Here's a breakdown of potential risks: 1. **Reduced Ride Comfort** - Cracked or seeping bushings lose their ability to effectively dampen vibrations, leading to a harsher and less comfortable ride. 2. **Steering Instability** - Damaged bushings can affect the alignment and cause the car to feel unstable during steering, especially under braking or during sharp turns. You may notice wandering or pulling to one side. 3. **Increased Tire Wear** - Faulty bushings may alter the suspension geometry, leading to uneven tire wear, which can become expensive if not addressed promptly. 4. **Noise and Vibrations** - You might hear clunking or creaking noises when going over bumps or during braking. Vibrations may also become more noticeable. 5. **Safety Concerns** - In extreme cases, if the bushings deteriorate significantly, they can fail entirely, causing loss of control during braking or sudden maneuvers. This is a serious safety risk. 6. **Accelerated Wear of Other Components** - Compromised bushings can place additional stress on adjacent suspension components, such as ball joints, control arms, and even the shocks or struts, leading to premature failure. The vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer /dealer repair Order PETER PAN BMW 1625 Adrian Rd Burlingame, CA 94010-2103 Service: 650-457-8897 01/10/2025 Repair Order #:[XXX] Vehicle Make:7 SERIES VIN:[XXX] PETER PAN BMW 1625 Adrian Rd Burlingame, CA 94010-2103 Service: 650-457-8897 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .