NHTSA (USA)Critical
The 2023 BMW i7 has 13 recalls, the most serious being multiple issues that can cut drive power without warning or compromise braking, each of which raises the risk of a crash.
Three separate recalls affect the electric drivetrain. A software fault in the high-voltage battery control unit can interrupt electrical power and drop drive power suddenly. A different software problem in the electric drive motor can also shut down the high-voltage system and cause the same loss of propulsion. Separately, battery cell modules that were not assembled properly can place stress on the module frame until it fails, again cutting drive power. Two recalls address braking: the integrated brake system can malfunction and reduce power brake assist, lengthening stopping distances, while the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can stop functioning properly, making the vehicle harder to control in a skid or emergency stop.
On the driver assistance side, two overlapping recalls cover the hands-on detection system in the steering wheel. In one case the software does not register when a driver removes their hands, and in the other a loose ground connection in the steering wheel causes the same gap, meaning the emergency stopping assistant will not activate if the driver becomes incapacitated. These recalls only affect certain trims and configurations; some are shared with other BMW and Rolls-Royce models built on the same platform.
Several recalls affect occupant protection and cabin controls. Vehicles with the Executive Lounge Seating Package have a seat computer that can fail to recognize the front passenger seat position and disable the front airbag, knee airbag, and active headrest. A separate front seat issue involves welds
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At a glance
What can fail
The integrated brake system may fail, reducing power brake assist or preventing the anti-lock brake and stability control systems from working properly.
What the fix does
The integrated brake system will be inspected and replaced if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric drive motor software may unexpectedly shut down the high-voltage system, causing the vehicle to lose driving power.
What the fix does
BMW will update the electric drive motor software remotely or at a dealer at no cost to restore normal operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
High-voltage battery cell modules may have been assembled incorrectly, causing stress on the module frame and potentially leading to module failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected high-voltage battery cell modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The integrated brake system may fail, reducing power brake assist or preventing the antilock brake and stability control systems from working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the integrated brake system at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel's ground connection may not be properly attached, which can disable the hands-on detection system that monitors if the driver is holding the wheel.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ground connection and reattach it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel hand-detection system may fail to sense when you remove your hands from the wheel, preventing the emergency stopping assistant from activating if you cannot drive.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your steering wheel's ground connection and tighten it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wipers may stop working during certain weather conditions, potentially reducing visibility.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect and replace the windshield wiper system if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The dashboard Interaction Bar may fail to activate the windshield defrosting/defogging system and hazard warning lights, and its control buttons may not light up when pressed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Interaction Bar at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The dashboard interaction bar may not let you control the windshield defrost/defog system or hazard lights, and the buttons may not light up when pressed.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the interaction bar at a dealership after notifying you by mail.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat length adjustment system may not be properly welded, potentially causing the adjustment mechanism to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect front seats and replace the seat front structure and adjustment system if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat's electronic control unit software may fail to recognize the seat position, which could disable the front passenger air bag, knee air bag, and active headrest.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the front passenger seat electronic control unit software at no cost to restore proper air bag and headrest function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high voltage battery control unit software may malfunction and interrupt electrical power to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the high voltage battery control unit software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The telematics control unit may fail to send your vehicle's location to emergency responders during a crash or emergency call.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the telematics control unit software at no cost to restore location transmission to emergency services.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
