1997 BMW 740
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 2001 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR PANEL AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180607
I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AFTER RECEIVING NOTICE OF "RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 13V-564: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT" WHICH APPLIES TO ANOTHER BMW VEHICLE I OWN(2006 X5).
NHTSA ODI report, 20140317
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE WINDSHIELD STARTED CRACKING ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES, AND THE WINDSHIELDS ARE STILL CRACKING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970409
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AFTER RECEIVING NOTICE OF "RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 13V-564: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT" WHICH APPLIES TO ANOTHER BMW VEHICLE I OWN(2006 X5).
NHTSA ODI report, 20140317
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AFTER RECEIVING NOTICE OF "RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 13V-564: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT" WHICH APPLIES TO ANOTHER BMW VEHICLE I OWN(2006 X5).
NHTSA ODI report, 20140317
1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN VEHICLE GOES OVER BUMP OR DIP, WOULD BOTTOM OUT, CRACKED DIFFERENTIAL WHEEL HOUSING AREA; VEHICLE BEEN IN SHOP FOR 3 MONTHS FOR PROBLEM; DEALER CAN NOT FIX OR GET PARTS TO FIX PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970106
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 BMW 740 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 BMW 740 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 740?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 740 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.