Does the 2001 BMW 740I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 740I, the most recent reported on May 16, 2002 (Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 740I?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).

How many 2001 BMW 740I complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 15 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2001 BMW 740I recalls and problems

3 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 740I.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2001 BMW 740I recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 02V138000 · reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 1,550 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: 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). Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan

NHTSA campaign 01V206000 · reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 76,469 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
The risk: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: 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 remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Tires: sidewall

NHTSA campaign 01V001000 · reported January 4, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 3,167 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 inflate the tires on the wheels at the assembly plant may have damaged the sidewall of one or more tires. The damaged area could weaken to the point where a sudden loss of air from the tire could occur.
The risk: Handling and control would be drastically affected increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

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

Air bags3
Electrical system3
Engine3
Suspension3
Engine and engine cooling2
Steering2
Fuel system, gasoline1
Power train1
Seat belts1
Unknown or other1

What owners report

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

Jan 23, 2022 · Unknown or other
On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods. I have not taken…

Jul 25, 2020 · Air bags · 230,000 miles
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BACK TO CLOSE DRIVER…

Jun 2, 2018 · Engine · 12,650 miles · crash reported
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. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF MECHANICAL WORK IN…

Sep 8, 2016 · Engine
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. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING)…

Jul 10, 2014 · Engine · 75,000 miles
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. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT WIRES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…

740I model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	1	12	1	1
2001	3	15	2	1

All BMW 740I years →

Questions

Does the 2001 BMW 740I have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 740I, the most recent reported on May 16, 2002 (Engine and engine cooling: cooling system, fan). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 740I?: Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).
How many 2001 BMW 740I complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 15 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 23, 2022.