BMW 7 Series Recalls

The BMW 7 Series has 33 recalls spanning the 1988–2024 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a high-voltage battery defect on 2024 models where a manufacturing flaw can cause the battery to shut down, cut power to the wheels while driving, or overheat and start a fire even when the vehicle is parked. The 2024 model year also has a steering shaft universal joint that can wear during certain maneuvers, causing a sudden change in steering feel and increased effort at the wheel. On 2023 models, the air conditioning wiring harness can be routed too close to the cabin air filter housing, and replacing that filter can pinch and short the wiring, creating a fire risk. There is also a 2023 recall where the windshield wiper motor connection can loosen, leaving the driver with no wiper function.

On the 2020 model year, a software fault can damage the vacuum pump during engine startup, reducing brake assist and lengthening stopping distances. The 2018 model year, specifically V12-equipped vehicles, has an oil cooler line that can leak engine oil onto a front brake disc or the road surface during operation. Going back to 2016, the airbag control module on certain vehicles can contain metallic particles that may interfere with its function.

The 2002–2010 model years share a brake vacuum pump check valve that can seep lubricating oil into the brake booster over time, gradually degrading power assist and in extreme cases eliminating it entirely. The 2004 model year has several additional issues: a faulty engine management unit that can stall the engine and then prevent restart while also cutting power steering and brake assist; a transmission that can shift to Neutral instead of Park when the start button is tapped repeatedly, risking a rollaway; doors that can appear latched but open while driving; and an occupant detection system that may fail to recognize the driver's seat is occupied, suppressing the front airbag, knee airbag, head protection system, and seatbelt pretensioner in a crash.

The 2003 model year has an oil filter drain plug that can loosen and spray engine oil, and heated seat mats that can overheat and melt through the seat bolster. The 2002 model year adds a fuel pump that can wear out when the tank runs below a third full, causing inadequate fuel supply, and a valvetrain software fault that causes rough running.

Further back, the 1995 740i, 740iL, and 750iL have two suspension concerns: a casting flaw in the right rear axle hub carrier that can crack and break, and winter road debris that can pit the front coil spring mounts until the spring fractures, both affecting vehicle control. The 1993 740iA and 740iLA have a throttle cable that can snap, dropping the engine to idle without warning. The 1991 model year has an airbag contact ring locking tab in the steering wheel that can break, potentially severing the airbag wiring. The 1990 model year has a brake light switch that can fail from internal heat distortion, disabling the brake lights. The 1989 model year has fuel feed hoses that harden with age and can seep fuel at the fittings. The 1988 model year covers a gas pedal that can jam against the floor pan on 750iL models, front seat backs that may not be fully seated on their recliner arms and can fail to support an occupant in a rear collision, a heater core that can crack and exp