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2003 BMW 7 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2003 BMW 7 Series, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints80 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage101kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 BMW 7 Series has problems

8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags10
Engine10
Equipment10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seat belts10
Seats10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Tires10
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2003 BMW 7 Series recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front assembly: seat heater/cooler

Recall 04V-575 · Dec 6, 2004 · 17,905 vehicles

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HEATING MAT IN THE BACKREST'S SIDE BOLSTER COULD OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE, OR MELT A SMALL HOLE IN, THIS AREA OF THE SEAT COVER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other 7 Series year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 7 Series median. How we score

'95'96'97'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 BMW 7 Series safety ratings

2003 BMW 7 Series w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 BMW 7 Series, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Vehicle RollawayEA12002 · closed Jan 24, 2013
    Led to recall 12V-502
  2. Vehicle RollawayPE11025 · closed Apr 23, 2012
    No recall
In owners' words

What 7 Series owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE TENSION SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…
Complaint 11145073 · Nov 3, 2018 · 101,085 miles

Own a 2003 7 Series?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.