2021 BMW 740i

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data0InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
✓Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the BMW brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary:
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

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

Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW 740i?

Yes, the 2021 BMW 740i has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY.

Is the 2021 BMW 740i safe to drive?

The 2021 BMW 740i has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 BMW 740i has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.

📊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.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V096000
2

Electrical system

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:24V576000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭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

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.