10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,189 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 BMW 740:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #3

Mar 062007

740 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,100 miles
In March 2007 low coolant warning caused me open hood and add coolant three times before I took car to BMW dealer, who diagnosed cracked plastic reservoir in radiator and separate coolant tank. Each time engine had overheated due to a lot of pressure under radiator coolant cap. Needed much time waiting before opening to add coolant. This was defective materials and not normal wear and tear breakdown. Every preventive maintenance has been done by book on this BMW. Manufacturer disclaimed responsibility as car out of warranty by few months. Car had 54,000 miles. Plastic was found hardened by heat and brittleness cracked the same. 339 other BMW 740il owners have filed petition on internet for same cracked plastic radiators (on BMW 740I, and il models between years 1995 through 2001. BMW ignored our pleas for free replacement. Major safety issue not expected on premium car like this.

- Houston, TX, USA

Add Complaint
problem #2

Apr 302005

740 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68 miles
I need to have a new engine put in for my 2001 740I BMW due to a cracked radiator which led to the damage of the engine beyond repair. The car has 68,000 miles on it. I was fortunate that I was not injured and I did not cause an accident on the highway. I contacted the company explaining my situation. BMW refused to acknowlege that there are some major defects with the radiator and refused to help pay for the cost of the new engine. I have done some research on the web and have found that many BMW owners especially BMW 7 series model have gone through the same problem. There's also a petition concerning major defects with all BMW 7 series' radiator. The defects have caused the cosumers costly repairs not to mention dangerous driving conditions which could lead to serious injuries or even deaths. Thank you for your consideration! regards, chi truong

- Orlando, FL, USA

Add Complaint
problem #1

Aug 092004

740 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,400 miles
While driving, the consumer heard a sound which was coming from the air conditioner. Also, radiator had a crack. Check coolant light illuminated on the dash board. The vehicle was BMW certified. The windows fell off of track, the cd player and the nau system was inoperative.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

Add Complaint