BMW 740I problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 14 recalls on file for the BMW 740I (2012–2025). The 2023 740I has the most serious complaints, most often about brakes.
- Complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 14
- Model years
- 13
- Worst year
- 2023
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst BMW 740I years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2023 BMW 740I — 12 complaints; top problem: Brakes
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (0 complaints).
Every BMW 740I model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 740I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — |
| 2024 740I | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Brakes |
| 2023 740I | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Brakes |
| 2021 740I | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2020 740I | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System |
| 2019 740I | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Body & Structure |
| 2018 740I | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2017 740I | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2016 740I | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Seats & Seat Belts |
| 2015 740I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2014 740I | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 2013 740I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2012 740I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common BMW 740I problem areas (all years)
- Brakes9 complaints
- Electrical System9 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech8 complaints
- Engine7 complaints
- Body & Structure3 complaints
- Lighting3 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts3 complaints
- Suspension3 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain3 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers1 complaints
Complaint trend
BMW 740I recalls
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inoperative hands-on detection system may fail to detect when the driver's hands are not on the steering wheel and therefore not engage the emergency stopping assistant system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: The inability to operate the defrost or hazard warning lights can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: An improperly welded front seat may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: Emergency response may be delayed without the vehicle location information, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other BMW models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology