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
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 8 complaints
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.
Air bags
3 of 8 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 3:00 position , driver's side air bag did not deploy upon impact at 40-45 MPH, the other airbags did deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-21
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, 2018-06-07
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, 2014-03-17
Also filed under Seats and seat belts
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Our car is broken and we have no money to fix it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-08-02
Visibility
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-09
Seats
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seats.
Seat belts
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW 740 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report 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 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 740 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.