BMW 740LI Recalls (2021-2022)
Every recall for model year 2021 and newer · Safety warnings · California lemon law
The 2021-2022 BMW 740LI has 5 recall campaigns for model year 2021 and newer, 0 with a do-not-drive warning, 0 with a park-outside fire warning, and 0 where NHTSA’s filing shows an interim notice or no final fix. Most involve electrical system (2), brakes (1), transmission (1). Check your VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup, and if your 740LI keeps going back to the dealer for the same problem, it may qualify under California’s lemon law.
What recalls does the BMW 740LI have?
- 2021-2025 BMW 840I Starter Assembly Recall (25V644) Repeat recall
September 25, 2025 · 145,102 vehicles · Electrical SystemAfter repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge.
- 2021 BMW 840I Brake Hydraulic Recall (21V062)
February 10, 2021 · 893 vehicles · BrakesThe rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge.
- 2021 BMW 530I Driveshaft Recall (21V046)
February 3, 2021 · 28 vehicles · TransmissionThe output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
Risk: A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge.
- 2021 BMW M340I 12-Volt Battery Recall (20V761)
December 9, 2020 · 812 vehicles · Electrical SystemThe connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge.
- 2021 BMW 740LI Connector and Clip Recall (20V379)
June 30, 2020 · 16 vehicles · Other EquipmentThe top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk: A child restraint system placed on the vehicle's rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position.
Which 740LI parts are recalled most?
| Recall area | Campaigns | Vehicles covered |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | 145,914 |
| Brakes | 1 | 893 |
| Transmission | 1 | 28 |
| Other Equipment | 1 | 16 |
Which 740LI model years have the most recalls?
| Model year | Recalls | Campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 25V644000 (electrical system), 21V062000 (brakes), 21V046000 (transmission), 20V761000 (electrical system), 20V379000 (other equipment) |
| 2022 | 1 | 25V644000 (electrical system) |
How do I check my 740LI for open recalls?
Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. The lookup lists every open safety recall on that specific vehicle, so you will see which of the 5 BMW 740LI campaigns above apply to you. You can also ask any authorized BMW dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is on your registration card, your insurance card, and a plate at the lower driver-side corner of the windshield. Brand-new recalls can take a few days to show up, so check again if you received a letter.
What are 740LI owners reporting?
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA since 2020, by model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports, but the components that come up most often show where owners are having trouble.
| Model year | Complaints | Most reported components |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | Electrical System (3), Unknown Or Other (1), Lane Departure (1) |
Excerpts from owner complaints (unverified):
The contact owns a 2022 BMW 740LI. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to start the vehicle and called a tow truck.
2022 BMW 740LI owner, Electrical System, NHTSA complaint 11707604
Can a recall make your 740LI a lemon in California?
Owners of a BMW 740LI often ask whether these recalls mean their vehicle qualifies under California's lemon law. Not by themselves. The question is whether a covered defect keeps coming back, or keeps the vehicle at the dealer, after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).
1 of the 5 recalls listed here follow an earlier campaign on the same component, which can mean a first fix did not work. 1 involve the engine, transmission or high-voltage battery, the kinds of repairs that often take several visits or weeks of downtime.
Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the same defect was repaired two or more times when it is likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases, and owners outside that window can still have a claim. An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
What to keep: every repair order, the recall owner letters, your purchase or lease contract, and a log of dates, mileage and symptoms. Make sure every visit is written up, even when the dealer says it found nothing.
Other BMW models with recalls
- 228I: 5 recalls
- 228I Gran Coupe: 2 recalls
- 228I Xdrive: 1 recall
- 228I Xdrive Gran Coupe: 2 recalls
- 230I: 7 recalls
- 3 Series: 1 recall
- 330E: 7 recalls
- 330I: 11 recalls
- 330I Xdrive: 1 recall
- 4 Series: 1 recall
- 430I: 11 recalls
- 430I Convertible: 1 recall
- 430I Xdrive: 1 recall
- 5 Series: 1 recall
- 530E: 2 recalls
- 530I: 15 recalls
- 530I Xdrive: 4 recalls
- 540I: 7 recalls
- 540I Xdrive: 4 recalls
- 550E: 1 recall
- 550E Xdrive: 2 recalls
- 740I: 11 recalls
- 740I Xdrive: 2 recalls
- 740LI: 5 recalls
- 740XI: 1 recall
- 745E: 1 recall
- 745LE: 4 recalls
- 750E: 3 recalls
- 750E Xdrive: 6 recalls
- 750LI: 3 recalls
- 760I: 8 recalls
- 760I Xdrive: 3 recalls
- 8 Series: 1 recall
- 840I: 6 recalls
- 840I Xdrive: 1 recall
- Alpina B8: 1 recall
- Alpina XB7: 1 recall
- B7 Alpina: 1 recall
- I4: 11 recalls
- I4 EDRIVE35: 1 recall
- I4 EDRIVE40: 2 recalls
- I4 M50: 2 recalls
- I5: 7 recalls
- I5 EDRIVE40: 3 recalls
- I5 M60: 2 recalls
- I5 M60 Xdrive: 3 recalls
- I5 XDRIVE40: 2 recalls
- I7: 12 recalls
- I7 EDRIVE50: 3 recalls
- I7 M70: 3 recalls
- I7 M70 Xdrive: 4 recalls
- I7 XDRIVE60: 3 recalls
- IX: 12 recalls
- M2: 3 recalls
- M235I: 2 recalls
- M235I Xdrive Gran Coupe: 2 recalls
- M240I: 4 recalls
- M3: 4 recalls
- M340I: 7 recalls
- M4: 3 recalls
- M440I: 7 recalls
- M5: 3 recalls
- M5 Sportswagon: 1 recall
- M550I: 3 recalls
- M760I: 2 recalls
- M760LI: 1 recall
- M8: 3 recalls
- M850I: 3 recalls
- X1: 11 recalls
- X2: 6 recalls
- X3: 24 recalls
- X4: 14 recalls
- X5: 27 recalls
- X5 Hybrid: 1 recall
- X5 Plug-IN Hybrid: 2 recalls
- X6: 17 recalls
- X7: 22 recalls
- XB7: 1 recall
- XM: 9 recalls
- Z4: 7 recalls
Frequently asked questions about BMW 740LI recalls
How many recalls does the BMW 740LI have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for 2021 and newer BMW 740LI vehicles as of October 1, 2026. The newest is 25V644000, filed September 25, 2025.
How do I check my BMW 740LI for open recalls?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any authorized dealer to run it. Not every vehicle of a model year is included in each recall.
Are recall repairs free?
Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. Ask the dealer to confirm before work begins.
Can I get a buyback for my BMW 740LI?
Possibly, if a covered defect was not fixed in a reasonable number of attempts or the vehicle spent a long time out of service. A recall alone is not enough, but repeat repairs or a failed recall fix can support a claim.
Sources
- NHTSA recalls
- NHTSA recall and complaint data, accessed October 1, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.22
Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). Recall data from NHTSA. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. This page is general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.