NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 BMW 740I Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 BMW 740I has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 15 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 BMW 740I. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2001 BMW 740I owner complaints

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 740I, describing incidents dated June 24, 2001 to January 22, 2022.

Most-cited components

Engine 5 complaints
Air Bags 3 complaints
Electrical System 3 complaints
Suspension 3 complaints
Steering 2 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 2 complaints

Of the 15 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 15 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11448540 · Filed January 23, 2022
On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods…
ODI #11341442 · Filed July 25, 2020
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BACK…
ODI #11099269 · Filed June 2, 2018
A CHEVY PICKUP PULLED INTO THE ONE WAY ROAD LEADING TO A HOTEL AND IMMEDIATELY WENT AROUND AN ELLIPSE AND HIT ME AS I WAS EXITING MY HOTEL AND GOT HIT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL WHILE HE WAS PULLING AROUND IN THE ELLIPTICAL ONE WAY DRIVE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF…

Read all 15 complaints

REPLACEMENT STEERING CENTER DRAG LINK

NHTSA #10E021000 · Steering — Linkages — Drag — Link — Connection · NHTSA notice

Reported May 27, 2010 · FCP GROTON, LLC

Potentially affected: 150 vehicles

Owners notified May 28, 2010

Defect description

FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Manufacturer remedy

FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FCP GROTON STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS BEARING P/N 32 21 1 096 057 SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON ANY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY BMW.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN

NHTSA #02V138000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 1,550 vehicles

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Safety consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN

NHTSA #01V206000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 76,469 vehicles

Owners notified September 28, 2001 · Vehicles built November 1, 2000 – July 27, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/TIRES

NHTSA #01V001000 · Tires — Sidewall · NHTSA notice

Reported January 4, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 3,167 vehicles

Owners notified March 10, 2001 · Vehicles built June 5, 2000 – October 9, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.

Safety consequence

HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2001 BMW 740I. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 740I.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11448540

Incident: January 22, 2022 · Filed: January 23, 2022

On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods. I have not taken it to a mechanic or tire shop yet, so I still have the rim that has the remnants of the sidewall attached to it as well as the tread portion of the tire for inspection. I didn't hit a pothole and wasn't aware of any object that I ran over. It was a sunny day; the pavement was dry and it was about 45 degrees. The tires were filled with nitrogen. I inspected all tires before I started driving and I didn't see anything unusual or previous damage. There were no warning lamps or messages before my tire EXPLODED. The car did sustain damage to the driver's side rear bumper cover and possibly suspension components. All four tires were purchased from Costco in September 2020 when the vehicle had 113,429 miles. The vehicle currently has 114,668 miles on the odometer and approx. had 114,648 miles on it at the time of the incident. All four tires are Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. The front has 235/50ZR 18 and the rear has // had 255/45ZR 18.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11341442

Incident: July 23, 2020 · Filed: July 25, 2020

VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BACK TO CLOSE DRIVER DOOR. AS I APPROACHED THE VEHICLE TO CLOSE DRVER SIDE DOOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGE SUDDENLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. THERE HAD BEEN NO IMPACT PRIOR TO THIS. IT WAS A HOT DAY.

Steering; Suspension; Engine

ODI #11099269

Crash 1 injury

Incident: October 28, 2017 · Filed: June 2, 2018

A CHEVY PICKUP PULLED INTO THE ONE WAY ROAD LEADING TO A HOTEL AND IMMEDIATELY WENT AROUND AN ELLIPSE AND HIT ME AS I WAS EXITING MY HOTEL AND GOT HIT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL WHILE HE WAS PULLING AROUND IN THE ELLIPTICAL ONE WAY DRIVE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF MECHANICAL WORK IN ORDER FOR IT "TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE.

Engine

ODI #10904829

Incident: May 16, 2016 · Filed: September 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740I. WHILE PULLING INTO A FUEL STATION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine

ODI #10609636

Incident: July 6, 2014 · Filed: July 10, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT WIRES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 9/9/14*CN UPDATED 1/20/2015 *JS

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10446243

Incident: January 2, 2012 · Filed: February 2, 2012

THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER PURGE LINE IS BLOCKED AND IS CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO COLLAPSE. *KB

Air Bags

ODI #10398228

1 injury

Incident: March 8, 2011 · Filed: April 29, 2011

MY DAUGHTER WITH MYSELF AND MY 4 YEAR OLD,RIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DRIVING ON MALLARD CREEK ROAD, ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEAR THIS LOUD 'KABOOM' NOISE THIS CAUSED (FOR SOME REASON) THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DOOR (THE SIDE AIRBAG) TO DEPLOY. WHEN IT DEPLOYED, IT TORE AND THE DOOR FELL APART IN THE INSIDE A STRIP OF DECORATIVE METAL ON THE INTERIOR. THE STRIP WAS ABOUT 2-3 FEET LONG AND HAD BETWEEN 3 AND 5 1" BOLTS PROTRUDING FROM IT. THE METAL STRIP HIT THE DRIVER ON THE ARM AND CAUSED AN ABRASION. WE WERE GREATLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS FOR TWO REASONS: (1) WHY DID THAT PARTICULAR BAG DEPLOY WHEN THERE WAS NO HARD IMPACT AND (2) THE METAL STRIP THAT RIPPED OFF COULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE IN THE EYE OR IN ANOTHER PLACE THAT WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. EVEN AS IT WAS, MY DAUGHTER ARM WAS TOTALLY BRUISED ON HER SHOULDER. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE DEALER AND THE BMW COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT, BMW CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND SAID THE REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED IS WHEN WE CHANGED THE TIRES ON THE CAR WE CHANGED THE SUSPENSION. THE SUSPENSION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING WHILE JUST DRIVING 35MPH AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AS A RESULT OF THIS MY DAUGHTER WAS TRAUMATIZED, AS A PERMITTED DRIVER SHE MAY HAVE LONG LASTING EFFECT, AT THIS POINT SHE IS SCARED TO DRIVE. FINALLY ONCE BMW CHECKED OUT THE PROBLEM THEY AGREED TO FIX THE DEFECT ONLY IF WE AGREED TO CHANGE THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. PLEASE IF YOU CAN ASSIST US IN HELPING GET THIS AIRBAG & THE DOOR FIXED REASON IS IT'S DANGEROUS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH NO AIRBAGS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Seat Belts

ODI #10322983

Incident: March 30, 2010 · Filed: March 31, 2010

I OWN A 2001 BMW THAT I PURCHASED FROM MY FATHER. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT AND HE WAS THE ONLY OWN. THE BACK SEAT BELTS WERE ALMOST NEVER USED UNTIL I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. WITHIN THE PAST THREE MONTHS I HAVE NOTICE THAT WHEN MY TWIN 4 YEAR OLDS ARE BUCKLED IN THEIR BOOSTER SEATS THE SEAT BELTS SPONTANEOUSLY UNBUCKLE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW DIRECTLY AND A LOCAL BMW DEALER. BMW SAYS THAT IT COULD BE WEAR AND TEAR OF THE MECHANISM AND THE DEALER SAID MAYBE IT IS JUST THE AGE OF THE MECHANISM CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS WEAR OUT AND BREAK BUT APPARENTLY AM UNDER THE FALSE IMPRESSION THAT MY SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAG WILL PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY IN A CRASH. BMW WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PART. THE TWO BELTS WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $200 EACH PLUS LABOR. I AM VERY CONCERNED MY CHILDREN WILL BE INJURED SHOULD I BE INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System

ODI #10297455

Incident: June 15, 2006 · Filed: December 29, 2009

BURNED HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THERMOSTAT. FORTUNATELY THE BURNED WIRES WERE ONLY ABOUT 3 INCHES PAST THE CONNECTOR. *TR

Power Train

ODI #10246118

Incident: October 10, 2008 · Filed: October 20, 2008

2001 BMW 740I - THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ANY WARNING JUST STOPPED GOING IN REVERSE. AFTER RESEARCH I FIND OUT THIS IS AN ISSUE RAMPANT AMONG BMW'S AND OWNERS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. PLEASE HELP - IT SEEMS AS IF BMW IS AWARE BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THEY HAVE EVEN DEVELOPED A RING FIX TO REPLACE PRODUCTION PARTS THAT FAIL - HOWEVER WILL STILL NOT STAND BEHIND AN OBVIOUS AND UNSAFE SITUATION. *TR

Other BMW 740I model years

Check your 2001 BMW 740I VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 740I at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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