2001 BMW 740I
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2001
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2001: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 15 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
4 of 15 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-02
Also filed under Engine and steering
Engine
3 of 15 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-08
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-10
Electrical system
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Smoke from engine and burning wires and electrical connectors at the plug to the engine cooling thermostat small fire extinguished with a small amount of water.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-10
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Air bags
3 of 15 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-29
Vehicle was hit broadside by another vehicle right in center of driver's door. Upon impact, airbags failed to deploy. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-03
Steering
3 of 15 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and idler and attachment.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2001-03-10Tires01V001000 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…
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…
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2001-09-28Engine and engine cooling01V206000 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…
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…
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2010-05-28Steering10E021000 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…
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…
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Date not on fileEngine and engine cooling02V138000 On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled.
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).
Buy-smart checklist
2001 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V138000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 01V001000 · Tires
- Recall 01V206000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 10E021000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 2001 BMW 740I 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 2001 BMW 740I?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 740I have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.