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2001 BMW 740ilProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2001 BMW 740il, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints264 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage70kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 21, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 BMW 740il has problems

26 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
Electrical system50
Air bags51
Engine and engine cooling41
Fuel system, gasoline30
Power train30
Vehicle speed control20
Steering20
Seats11
Service brakes10
4 other systems41

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

1 recall

2001 BMW 740il 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.

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

2001 vs. every other 740il 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 740il median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 740il owners report

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

COMMON DEFECT: AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. SUSPECTED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FAILURE. I'VE HAD 2 BMW'S FROM THIS SERIES - BOTH WITH THE SAME ISSUE - YET NO RECALL FROM BMW - WHY? ISN'T THIS A SAFETY SYSTEM? I SEE AIRBAG RECALLS ON CARS DATING BACK TO THIS ERA. WHY NONE FOR BMW? ALSO - ODOMETER…
Complaint 10668840 · Dec 29, 2014 · 56,900 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE CONTACT STATED THE PIXELS IN THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WERE PROGRESSIVELY FADING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO READ THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. ONLY THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WAS DIFFICULT TO READ AND THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHETHER HE WAS DRIVING OR…
Complaint 10339304 · Jun 21, 2010 · 83,000 miles
PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION SWITCH GOING OUT ALL THE TIME. THE CAR…
Complaint 10239940 · Aug 27, 2008

Own a 2001 740il?

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