BMW 7 Series Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data

I purchased a vehicle from Ed morse Cadillac on 12/31/2025. I find out in April that the vehicle was sold with undercarriage damages listed in Carfax. The dealership, never disclosed anything, did not show me the reports, and i did not sign anything to accept the damages. They do not want to take responsibility. The vehicle might be dangerous to drive and is really demeaning in value because of this.

I am filing this complaint regarding an ongoing safety issue with my 2021 BMW 740i involving the lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all of which have stopped functioning properly. These features are critically tied to the windshield-mounted KAFAS camera, which I’ve now been told needs to be replaced. Initially, the BMW dealership attributed the issue to a software problem and charged me $500 for a software update. After the update, the driver assist systems remained non-functional. The dealership then diagnosed a failure with the front camera assembly and is now quoting me approximately $3,000 for replacement of the windshield and camera module. I have reviewed NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin SIB 66 08 23 (NHTSA ID: MC-10236236-9999), which outlines this exact issue, suggesting that BMW is aware of system limitations and hardware failures in this critical safety feature. However, this has not resulted in a recall or manufacturer-paid repair, despite the significant safety risk involved. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 BMW 740i and similar BMW models equipped with the same KAFAS camera system. The sudden failure of key driver assistance systems—especially lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control—can lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly on highways. I believe a recall or service campaign should be initiated requiring BMW to cover the cost of diagnosis and camera replacement due to the safety-critical nature of these systems. Please consider this complaint as a formal petition for further investigation and potential recall.

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 750I. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to the dealer and an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The failure persisted and the contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who discovered a crack in the rear driver’s side rim. The tire was replaced; however, a month later, the same failure occurred on the front passenger’s side rim. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where he was informed that the failure was common with the model vehicle. The tire was replaced. Recently, the failure occurred on the front driver’s side rim. The dealer was notified of the failure and offered insurance to cover the cost of future tire repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The most recent failure was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Oil pressure pump failure. MANY MODELS AFFECTED. MAINLY B58 ENGINES

BMW issued a warranty extension covering air suspension struts for certain vehicles (8 years / 80,000 miles). I own a 2018 BMW 740i. I reported front suspension concerns to an authorized BMW dealership (United BMW, Alpharetta, GA) at 64,354 miles (8/16/23) and again at 77,582 miles(3/19/24. Service records document front suspension issues, including thrust-rod and suspension defects. During these service visits — which occurred within the warranty-extension period — the strut warranty extension was never disclosed or applied. The suspension defect progressed, and I later had to pay out-of-pocket for air suspension strut repairs totaling over $8,500, including OEM BMW front struts. BMW North America has denied reimbursement solely based on mileage, despite documented pre-80,000-mile service visits showing the defect was present and evaluated. This appears to be a failure to disclose an active warranty extension for a known suspension defect, resulting in unnecessary out-of-pocket repairs for a safety-related component.

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 750I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot(H) with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that thermostat, thermostat sensor, and the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure worsened, and additional repairs were performed but the failure persisted. The contact was then informed by a mechanic that the engine oil cooler line was defective which had caused oil to leak into the engine coolant. The mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V377000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 740i. The contact stated when he was starting his vehicle a warning for "chassis" was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaning. The contact stated that the driver side of the vehicle was raised from the road by about 4 inches and the passenger side of the vehicle was almost touching the road surface. The contact stated that turning the vehicle to the left or the right was difficult due to the lean of the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Apparently BMW models like mine have been having the coolant expansion tanks leaking between 60 and 70 thousand miles. This causes the coolant levels to drop and causes engine failures.

Dashboard display randomly flickers and blinks while driving Seatbelt notification chime rings even when the passenger seat is empty.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW 740LE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF RIVERSIDE (3060 ADAMS ST, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 373-5000) WHERE IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WAITING FOR AN ENGINEER TO PERFORM ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. *LN*JB STATE FARM CLAIM ESTIMATE IS ATTACHED, CLAIM NUMBER #XX-XXXX-XXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Took my 2020 BMW 7 Series into BMW San Diego because there was fluid leaking. Upon diagnosis at the dealership, I was notified I needed to replace the front differential as it was coming apart. The leaking fluid was identified as differential fluid. The vehicle has 54,308 miles on it. My research indicates front differentials should not need replacement until nearly 150,000 miles. A broken front differential is considered to be very bad and makes a car unsafe to drive as it causes severe handling issues, loss of control and potential damage to the transmission. A broken differential can cause the vehicle to lock up or lose steering control. Me and my family have been at risk as it is unclear how long this issue has been happening. The problem has been confirmed by BMW San Diego. The cost to replace was quoted as about $10,251. There are no warning lamps, and there are no messages indicating there is a problem with the vehicle. Not sure when the issue started. Apparently, due to my research I’ve learning many 2020 BMW’s seem to need to have the front differential replaced with mileage between 38,000 and 55,000.

On [XXX], while driving on a busy boulevard in Wilmington, Delaware, my 2020 BMW 750i suddenly lost all power (engine and electrical) without any warning. The vehicle completely shut down in traffic, creating an extremely dangerous situation. There were no warning lights or messages before the failure. I called BMW Roadside Assistance for help but was informed that because my warranty had just expired, they canceled the tow truck that was already en route and turned it away. This left me stranded in a live traffic lane until I could arrange my own tow service from Geico. I called Wilmington Police for assistance and eventually had to run a couple of blocks to flag down a police vehicle that arrived and dropped several flares behind my vehicle. The vehicle was later inspected at Union Park BMW (Wilmington, DE), where the technician stated that the failure was due to a defective cell in the main battery. This experience has made me very nervous to drive the car again, as a total loss of power without warning could lead to a collision or injury. I believe this represents a serious safety defect in the vehicle’s electrical or battery system and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 BMW 750I. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at slow speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the expansion tank had cracked and leaked on the fuel rail and the injector had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and covered the injector repair and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

The middle Console on the car has aluminum trim, the trim starts peeling off right at the button where you can open the console and I just hurt my finger as it’s very sharp and cuts the skin right away I will provide also pictures of the problem .

The contact owns a 2022 BMW 740LI. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the Lane Departure feature malfunctioned on several occasions, causing the vehicle to be pulled into another lane or into the opposite direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the KAFAS camera and the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

The contact owns a 2022 BMW 740LI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after walking outside to the parked vehicle, the passenger’s side rear window was open. The failure occurred intermittently; however, on one occasion during the failure, all the windows and the sunroof were opened. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer reset the window system and repaired the window module; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2022 BMW 740LI. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to start the vehicle and called a tow truck. The contact stated that while the tow truck driver was attempting to start the vehicle with the hood opened, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine starter needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the original starter would be replaced with a similar starter because the recall remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System) was not yet available. The contact was advised that the starter would later be replaced with the recall part once the part became available, and the contact could request reimbursement from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

This vehicle is affected by NHTSA Recall 25V644 (starter motor – fire risk). The recall remedy has been listed as “Remedy Not Available” since September 25, 2025, and remains unavailable more than two months later. BMW did not notify me about this safety recall. I only discovered it after a third-party platform automatically deactivated the vehicle due to the open recall. In addition, this vehicle has recently developed starting issues — it now struggles to start and requires multiple attempts. This may indicate that the defective starter component described in the recall is already failing. Combined with the stated fire risk, this creates a serious daily safety concern. BMW advises owners to park outside and away from structures, but provides no remedy, no timeline, and no assistance. Multiple inquiries to BMW Recall Support were answered with the same message: there is no known timeframe for parts or repair. I am filing this complaint because the manufacturer has not provided a remedy, has not communicated adequately, and the defect appears to be progressing in a way that increases the risk described by NHTSA. I respectfully request that NHTSA review the extended delay, lack of remedy, lack of notification, and the presence of active symptoms related to this safety defect

Excessive rain condensation is blocking the front drivers headlights. This is a known issue which BMW refuses to repair under my OEM warranty. This is a known issue with many BMW’s leading to safety issues and electrical issues. The water is pooling in my headlight.

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 740I. The contact stated that the leather on the front dashboard had started to peel. Over time, the leather began to shrink and began to roll back towards the windshield. Due to the failure, the contact's vision became obstructed while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a technician recommended that the dashboard be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under Warranty. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.