BMW 740li Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used BMW 740li options? We analyzed 6 model years (2011–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the BMW 740li has 32 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls across model years 2011–2022. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2011 drew the most complaints; 2014 drew the fewest.
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- 740li
- Model years analyzed
- 2011–2022 (6 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 32
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2011 (14 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2014 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
BMW 740li: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe BMW 740LI has 32 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 32 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 2 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
5 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 32 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
32 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 740LI. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER RIM FRACTURED AND THE AIR PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-831-1117 AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 740LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FEMALE CONNECTOR WOULD NOT LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FEMALE CONNECTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TELL US WHAT HAPPENDED: I WAS TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON A 3 LANE ROAD, WHEN A MOVING TRUCK PULLED OUT OF A SHOPPING CENTER IN A NON SIGNALED DRIVE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS ROAD TO HEAD WEST BOUND, WHAT SEEMED TO BE LAST MOMENT AS I WAS CONTINUING EAST BOUND THE TRUCK SUDDENLY PULLED OUT A CROSS ROAD, LEAVING ME MINIMAL TIME TO AVOID COLLISION, I BRAKED BUT HAD NO TIME TO SLOW DOWN, SINCE TRUCK PULLED OUT WHAT SEEMED WITHIN 10 FEET OF ME, I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, MY CAR MADE IMPACT WITH SIDE OF MOVING TRUCKS CARGO BOX, CREATING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE OF FRONT END (NON DRIVABLE), WHAT SEEMED TO BE ONE TO TWO SECONDS LATER I WAS THEN REAR ENDED BY A PICKUP TRUCK FROM BEHIND, 911 WAS DISPATCHED TO SEEN AND WE WERE CHECKED FOR INJURIES, I COMPLAINED OF NECK AND LOWER BACK PAIN, MY SON COMPLAINED OF PAIN AT TOP OF HIS HEAD AND LATER HAD SMALL BLACK EYE. OUR HEAD REST ON MY BMW EJECTED FORWARD, BUT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, MY COMPLAINT IS THE FAILURE OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AT RATE OF SPEED OF ACCIDENT AND HIGH IMPACT. BMWS REPRESENTIVE ONLY RESPONSE IS THAT SENSORS ARE VERY LOW AND IS POSSIBLE WHY IT DID NOT DEPLOY. I WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED PRIOR TO MY VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED, MY CONCERN IS FOR FUTURE SAFETY.
While stopped at light car will shut off. You have to restart
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 740LI Sedan. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle backfired which resulted in the vehicle exploding. The drive train malfunction warning light was illuminated. There was black smoking coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle and caught fire. The contact was able to jump out of the vehicle and sustained a sprained ankle and mental trauma. The fire marshals extinguished the fire and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a police lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact mentioned that the vehicle went through extensive damage that it was unrecognizable. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 55 MPH, A WARNING SOUNDS (DINGS) AS MY CAR READS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION AND IT REDUCES SPEED. IT ALSO SAYS (READS) DRIVING COMFORT RESTRICTED AND IT STOPS AUTOMATICALLY AS I'M DRIVING.
Read 14 more owner reports
LOW ENGINE OIL COMES ON EVERY FEW MONTHS AND I HAVE TO ADD OIL AT THAT TIME. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE OIL IS GOING BUT LEVEL IS DOWN TO MINIMUM. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740LI. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED OFTEN. DURING THE FAILURE, THE "POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTIONING" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
DRIVETRAIN SIGNAL CAME ON LIGHT IN CAR STARTED TO TURN ON AND OFF GEARSHIFT BECAME REAL COLD STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ONLY ALLOW TO GO 50 MPH
ENGINE OVER HEAT, LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE CROSSING ACROSS THE ROAD. GOT MESSAGE SAYING THIS CONTACT SERVICE CENTER IMMEDIATELY.
ON OR ABOUT THE ABOVE DATE, I TRIED TO DRIVE MY NEW CAR IN 2 INCHES OF SNOW,UP A MODERATE GRADE. DESPITE THE TRACTION CONTROL AND HAVING BRAND NEW TIRES, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE ANYWAY BUT SIDEWAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNFIT FOR ITS PURPOSE AND USE. COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN IGNORED.
II WAS ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE LATE NIGHT AROUND 10.30PM WITH MY WIFE GOING SOUTH AND ALL OF SUDDEN WE HEAR LOUD NOISE FROM OUR CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHUT OFF BY ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY . I WAS GOING ON 70 MILES PER HOUR AND WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THERE WAS ONLY FEW CARS ON THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO STEER IT TO THE SHOULDER . AFTER COMING OUT OF THE CAR I SEE LOT OF SMOKE AND LOTS OF OIL COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE . AND I SAW THERE WAS A TRAIL OF OIL BEHIND THE CAR. WE WERE STUCK ON TPK FOR 4 HOUR IN COLD BEFORE ANY HELP COULD ARRIVE . FHP TROOPER STOP BY AND SAID THAT WE HAD A BROKEN ENGINE. WE HAD TO TOW OUR 145 MILES TO OUR HOUSE . I AM SO EMBRASSED TO GOT A BMW THAT HAS SUCH PROBLEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 740LI. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON WHILE THE DRIVESHAFT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.
THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK BY TOUCH OR WITH THE REMOTE. HAD TO USE THE SLIDE OUT KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. ONCE INSIDE THE VEHICLE THE BUTTON INSIDE WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE OTHER DOORS. PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE ANY NUMBER OF TIMES WOULD NOT OPEN THE OTHER 3 DOORS. I HAD TO CRAWL OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. NOT VERY SAFE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, WHICH COULD BE AT ANYTIME WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION I SUFFER FROM.
TWO WHEELS HAVE CRACKED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 33,000 MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 740LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TRUNK PISTON FRACTURED AND THE LID CRASHED ONTO THE CONTACT'S BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TRUNK PISTON AND LID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 12/30/14*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 740LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FUEL COMPROMISED WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. UPDATED 12/30/14*CN
MY WIFE HAS HAD SURGERY AND NEEDS A SEAT CUSHION. WHEN WE USE IT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT GOES ON. BMW OFFERS NO SOLUTION. "YOU MAY NOT USE A NON BMW AUTHORIZED CUSHION" ON YOU PASSENGER SEAT. I ASKED FOR AN AUTHORIZED BMW CUSHION, THEY SAID NON EXISTS. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE OUR CAR IN THAT CONDITION. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD. *TR
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 740LI. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into park (P) and inadvertently shifted into neutral (N). The contact applied the parking brake while the transmission was shifted to neutral (N) to turn off the vehicle. The Transmission Malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Vehicle is equipped with soft closing doors. Passenger door actuator malfunctioned which prevented the passenger door from locking. That malfunction short circuited the entire vehicle locking system. It created a unsafe driving condition which locked the driver side door from the inside and outside of the vehicle. Basically locking the driver inside the car. The only way for the driver to exit the vehicle was to climb to another door. If the driver was in a accident and needed to exit the car immediately, he wouldn't be able to do it.
Showing 20 of 32 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact BMW 740li
These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used BMW 740li, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The BMW 740li has 32 complaints on record across 6 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The BMW 740li has 5 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 2 of the BMW 740li's 32 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all BMW 740li vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two BMW 740li vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The BMW 740li has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a BMW 740li by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used BMW 740li.
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Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
BMW 740li reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the BMW 740li reliable?
Average. The BMW 740li has 32 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which BMW 740li years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2011 (14 complaints), 2012 (7 complaints), 2013 (7 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common BMW 740li problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (8 complaints); POWER TRAIN (7 complaints); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints).
Does the BMW 740li have recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the BMW 740li. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.