Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

BMW 740i Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns across the BMW 740i, 1993–2024. Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2001 drew the most (15) and the 2013 the fewest (1).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

BMW 740i complaints by model year

130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

1998199920002001201220132014201520162017201820192020202120232024
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2013 · 1 complaints
  • 2014 · 1 complaints
  • 2015 · 1 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2001 · 15 complaints
  • 2016 · 12 complaints
  • 2000 · 12 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2014–2024. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

BMW 740i owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2014201520162017201820192020202120232024
Electrical system 0033111020
Engine 0123200010
Service brakes 0000010071
Unknown or other 1021010001
Electronic stability control 0000000051
Seat belts 0021100000
Structure 0010010010
Suspension 0010200000

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

BMW 740i recalls (23)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one 740i model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the BMW 740i
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
26V422000Jul 1, 2026Integrated Brake System Malfunction2023, 2024, 2025—
24V739000Oct 2, 2024Integrated Brake System Malfunction2023, 202495.7%
24V697000Sep 18, 2024Improperly Welded Brake Control Module May Fail2023, 2024, 202598.1%
24V576000Aug 1, 2024Starter Motor May Fail and Overheat2020, 202187.2%
24V104000Feb 12, 2024Integrated Brake System Malfunction2023, 2024, 202591.5%
23V700000Oct 18, 2023Inoperative Hands-On Detection System2023, 202496.4%
23V644000Sep 20, 2023Windshield Wipers May Fail202395.6%
23V479000Jul 12, 2023Interaction Bar Malfunction/FMVSS 103 & 108202397.7%
23V414000Jun 8, 2023Improperly Welded Front Seat202395.6%
22V860000Nov 21, 2022Location May Be Unavailable for Emergency Response202397.6%
21V096000Feb 19, 2021Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 1112020, 202197.6%
18V465000Jul 11, 2018Crankshaft Sensor Firmware may Cause Stall201998.2%
17V379000Jun 14, 2017Incorrect Left Rear Assembly Lamp/FMVSS 1082013, 2014, 201582.6%
17V067000Feb 2, 2017Rear CV Joints may Fail201288.6%
02V138000May 16, 2002BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN2001—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

200116–18 mpg
201220 mpg
201322 mpg
201422 mpg
201522 mpg
201624 mpg
201724 mpg
201824 mpg
201924 mpg
202024 mpg
202125 mpg
202327 mpg
202428 mpg
202528 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

BMW 740i FAQ

How many recalls has the BMW 740i had?

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns that cover at least one BMW 740i model year from 1993 to 2024. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which BMW 740i year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2001 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (15) and the 2013 the fewest (1). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common BMW 740i problems?

Across the 2014–2024 model years, owners most often name the electrical system, engine, service brakes in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the BMW 740i get?

EPA rates the 2025 BMW 740i at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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