1.4

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
120,333 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 2003 BMW 745:

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

problem #9

Jul 012022

745

  • 174,500 miles
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rotors, brake wear sensors, and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,500.

- Elk River, MN, USA

problem #8

Dec 132016

745 8-cyl

  • 116,000 miles
While driving approximately 25 mph and applying pressure to the brake pedal it became difficult to engage the brakes and almost rear ended a stopped vehicle. The brakes where no longer functioning properly after that. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where I was told vacuum brake pump, the lock ring seal, and the brake booster needed to be replaced. After some research I found out that there was a recall for my vehicle. I contacted the local BMW dealer and was told that the recall was closed for my vehicle and I would have to pay out of pocket expense to repair.the approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

- Cheltenham, PA, USA

problem #7

Jul 012013

745 8-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
In 2011 roseville BMW began work on a recall for my vehicle (recall campaign 10V- 446.) the first step of the recall was performed but due to a "visual inspection" it was deemed that the remaining steps were not necessary. According the recall notices they did not properly perform the recall and within 18 months the brake booster and pump began to fail, which caused the power assist braking to be inoperable. After bringing it to 2 BMW technicians and the roseville BMW dealership it has been consistently deemed that the problem is the exact same result of the recall with the same cause. In fact, no one has denied that the problem I am now experiencing is exactly the same as the recall problem. However, the dealership and BMW have been unable or unwilling to get approval to finish the recall claim since the work was already started. I have not been furnished with any of the details for denials and thus far neither the dealership nor BMW are willing to be transparent about the denial details, or initial recall work that was conducted (I was not notified of this work at the time and thought they just replaced my battery, which was the purpose of the service.) if this is not resolved what is my next step" legal action"

- Lincoln, CA, USA

problem #6

Apr 152012

745 8-cyl

  • 147,000 miles
Was driving car at normal speed maybe 35 or 45 mph tried to slow down and car seemed to keep going depressed all the way down car slowed finally and stopped was concerned so called the BMW servicer ( authorized repairer) not dealership they checked and informed me of recall on brake system and felt that was the problem cause they had encountered it before saying it was the brake booster or vacuum. The car was unable to drive so was towed to dealership for recall went to pick up vehicle they said car was fine they found nothing wrong with car asked if they had checked thurally they said yes and found no leaks or problems asked if they test drove it they said no asked what did they check they said brake lines and looked for leaks around booster lines and vacuum pump but only a visual inspection and when I went to drive car home the car was having same problem when I called back they said I had to pay for a brake service check to diagnose problem and I asked didn't yall do that when yall had it because I felt it was a danger to me and everyone on highway me driving a car with no brakes but they said that it was not part of the recall to test vehicle just check for leaks, and that they would only replace the parts if they saw leaks and refused to replace anything (so why waste time to bring vehicle in if they not gonna fix anything makes no since )seemed like they didn't care and said what ever the problem is isn't under the recall but I've been told it was either booster or vacuum pump and I still haven't gotten it fixed is there anything that can be done just seems like they don't wanna fix the vehicles just pull U in so they can charge U for recall parts like a scam.......

- Selma, NC, USA

problem #5

Feb 202011

745 8-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Car was recalled for brake issues. A hose was replaced. Brakes begin to fail shortly thereafter and got a point that the car would barely stop. Dealer and BMW say its my problem and insist I pay about $2500 for a repair that is under this recall.

- Piney Flats, TN, USA

problem #4

Oct 092012

745 8-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
The car displayed an error message stating "parking brake malfunction". when I applied the parking brake it did not work. I took the car to the dealership for repair. I paid a total of 1300 dollars to have the parking brake replaced. I later researched this problem on line and found that this is a very common occurrence with many models of BMW's.

- Grayson, GA, USA

problem #3

Jul 112012

745

  • 109,000 miles
The 2003 BMW 745li has a recall campaign no.10V-446: Brake vacuum pump. Took car in to local dealer and dealer refused to perform recall due to vacuum pump leaking oil, and must be replaced first full of charge at $1300usd. When in recall letter it states the problem to be "small amount of oil could leak from the brake vacuum pump into the vacuum hose, dealer claims there are to only replace vacuum line hose. I don't have the money to perform the service and the moment so now I must drive vehicle with faulty brakes! thanks BMW usa!

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #2

May 142012

745 8-cyl

  • 114,750 miles
Brake and drive control system malfunction.. parking brake without emergency braking function. Avoid hard braking.

- Acushnet, MA, USA

problem #1

Apr 122012

745 8-cyl

  • 114,750 miles
Parking brake fault light on. States no parking brake available using button when stationary.

- Acushnet, MA, USA