Does the 2002 BMW 745I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 BMW 745I, the most recent reported on July 1, 2003 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 745I?

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (17 complaints), followed by air bags (11).

How many 2002 BMW 745I complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 BMW 745I recalls and problems

2 recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 BMW 745I.

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.

2002 BMW 745I recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 03V240000 · reported July 1, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 5,470 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, due to a software error, a desynchronization of the valvetronic motors for engine banks I and II may occur. If this occurs, the engine could stall.
The risk: In those cases, the driver may not be able to restart the engine. Depending on the level of engine roughness, or stalling, as well as traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began july 8, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

NHTSA campaign 02V150000 · reported June 3, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 8,412 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the electric fuel pump runs at a rotational speed that could result in reduced lubrication of its internal components. Over an extended period of time, wear-induced internal damage to the fuel pump could result in insufficient fuel supply to the engine when the fuel tank contains one-third or less of its maximum fuel capacity.
The risk: If this were to occur, the engine could stall and not be restarted until more fuel was added to the fuel tank. This could occur even though the fuel gauge indicated that fuel still remained in the tank.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the fuel pump control system. Owner notification began june 28, 2002. 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 1-800-332-4269.

Most reported problems

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

Power train17
Air bags11
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Electrical system8
Engine and engine cooling5
Engine3
Parking brake3
Seat belts3
Fuel system, gasoline2
Seats2

What owners report

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

Feb 24, 2020 · Engine
I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM SOMEONE IN CASH. IT HAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPES. WHEN ITS SITTING AND IDLING FOR A WHILE IT SMOKES TERRIBLY.

Dec 12, 2017 · Air bags · 90,000 miles
AIR BAG LIGHT ON SEAT DRIVER WANT ADJUST PROPER

May 6, 2016 · Air bags · 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS TO THE AIR BAGS, SCANNED THE COMPUTER, AND THE LIGHT DIMMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER TWO WEEKS AND THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE…

Jan 26, 2016 · Service brakes
VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR BRAKE VACUUM PUMP 10V-446. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HE DID RESEARCH AND SAID THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL. FINALLY TOOK VEHICLE INTO BMW (TUCSON) AND THE SAID THEY SAW NO OIL LEAK, THEREFORE MASTER CYLINDER WOULD NOT…

Jul 14, 2015 · Seat belts · 144,300 miles
ALL OF A SUDDEN, I GOT INTO MY 745I 2002,"FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT DESPITE FAULT." THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECTIVE MATERIALS FROM BMW MANUFACTURING PLANT.

745I model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	0	1	0	0
2002	2	54	3	1
2003	2	32	8	1
2004	0	24	3	3
2005	3	16	1	0

Across all years, the 2002 745I has the most complaints (54). All BMW 745I years →

Questions

Does the 2002 BMW 745I have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 BMW 745I, the most recent reported on July 1, 2003 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 745I?: Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (17 complaints), followed by air bags (11).
How many 2002 BMW 745I complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 1 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 February 24, 2020.