CarRecallDB

2003 BMW 7 Series recalls and problems

2 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 BMW 7 Series.

2
recalls
8
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 BMW 7 Series recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum

NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · reported October 1, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 198,352 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
The risk
Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Seats: front assembly, seat heater/cooler

NHTSA campaign 04V575000 · reported December 6, 2004 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 17,905 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with front seat heating systems, upon entering and exiting the vehicle, excessive contact with the side bolster that is contained in the seat's backrest may damage the heating mat located in this area. If such damage were to occur, with the system turned on, the vehicle occupant may feel excessive heat from this area.
The risk
It is possible that the heating mat in the backrest's side bolster could overheat and damage, or melt a small hole in, this area of the seat cover. If this happened, it could lead to an occupant being burned.
The fix
Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit. The recall is expected to begin during december 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 3, 2018 · Unknown or other · 100,858 miles

WITHOUT WARNING, THE HOOD LATCH UNLOCKED AND CAUSED THE HOOD TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING , HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE 2017/1/23. DEALERSHIP HAS TO SEE IT HAPPEN IN ORDER TO FIX. MILEAGE 100858 AT TIME I FIRST NOTICE IT.

Nov 3, 2018 · Air bags · 101,085 miles

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE TENSION SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,082.

May 27, 2015 · Seat belts · 139,000 miles

SEAT BELT RESTRAINT TENSIONER FAULTY

Aug 23, 2013 · Engine · 99,000 miles

CAR DOES NOT START CORRECTLY AND STALLS WHILE SITTING AT LIGHTS. IT ALSO CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING.

Aug 5, 2011 · Tires · 105,000 miles

TIRES UNEVEN WEAR.

7 Series model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0200
2001 0200
2002 1400
2003 2800
2004 42801
2005 1410
2006 22900

Across all years, the 2006 7 Series has the most complaints (29). All BMW 7 Series years →

Questions

Does the 2003 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 7 Series, the most recent reported on October 1, 2010 (Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 7 Series?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (1 complaints), followed by engine (1).
How many 2003 BMW 7 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 3, 2018.