2021 BMW 740i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data0InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 BMW 740i presents a mixed reliability profile due to two recalls related to its electrical and back over prevention systems. Given that issues may emerge early, particularly within the first 20,000 miles, owners should remain proactive about addressing these concerns.

Key Factor:Electrical and visibility risks

📋Why This Matters

These recalls are significant because they pertain to critical safety components. The back over prevention issue could impair your ability to see clearly when reversing, increasing the risk of accidents. Meanwhile, problems with the starter assembly could leave you stranded if the electrical system fails while trying to start the vehicle. With safety and reliability being paramount in luxury vehicles like the BMW 740i, these defects underscore potential risks for both current and prospective owners.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary: The year-over-year trend for the BMW 740i suggests a commitment to quality but reveals vulnerabilities in key systems that warrant attention. The presence of these recalls indicates that while BMW is generally reliable, this model year has indeed faced some challenges that drivers should be aware of.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

82/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-2.5
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW 740i

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
Model740i
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
✅

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 740i. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

BACK OVER PREVENTIONELECTRICAL SYSTEM

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back Over Prevention System

Issue: Rearview image may be obscured when shifting into reverse.

✅

Have your rearview camera system checked immediately for proper functionality.

🔍

Verify if all recall work has been completed on this component before purchasing.

2

Starter Assembly

Issue: Potential starter motor overheating from electrical overload during repeated start attempts.

✅

Monitor starting performance closely; consult a mechanic if starting issues occur.

🔍

Request verification that any necessary repairs or replacements have been completed under recall campaigns.

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 21V096000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 24V576000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Consequence

A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
✓

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues with the 2021 BMW 740i?

Common issues include problems with the back over prevention system where visibility can be compromised when reversing and potential failures in the starter assembly which can cause overheating during repeated start attempts.

How serious are the recalls on the BMW 740i?

'Serious' is an appropriate descriptor considering they impact critical systems like visibility when reversing and starter operations. These are essential for safe vehicle operation and reliability.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified BMW service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in BMW's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific 740i year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.