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2009 BMW 7 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2009 BMW 7 Series, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints92 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage83kEngine, median miles

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

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 BMW 7 Series has problems

9 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
Engine30
Power train30
Structure22
Fuel/propulsion system20
Electrical system10
Vehicle speed control10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
Exterior lighting10
Service brakes10

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

2 recalls

2009 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

Other fuel types: turbo/supercharger

Recall 11V-521 · Oct 20, 2011 · 32,084 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

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

2009 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

2009 BMW 7 Series safety ratings

2009 BMW 7 Series 4-DR 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
In owners' words

What 7 Series owners report

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

MY VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS APPROXIMATELY ONCE A WEEK ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL AFTER SITTING FOR AT LEAST 1 HOUR AND WOULD RESTART AND RUN AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD MY MECHANIC INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE NO CODES TO INDICATE…
Complaint 11002999 · Jul 5, 2017 · 106,000 miles
09 BMW 750LI SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER A DSC MALFUNCTION/ TRANSMITION MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE JUST RECEIVED THE N63 RECALL SERVICE. THIS IS VARY DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AROUND 70 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE IT STARTED SHAKING…
Complaint 10897288 · Aug 19, 2016 · 60,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (B001314 - N63), BUT THERE WAS NO PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. MONTHS…
Complaint 10819355 · Jan 11, 2016

Own a 2009 7 Series?

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