Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | −65% | 2 | Acceleration | Good |
| 2009 | 9 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2008 | 11 | typical | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2007 | 13 | typical | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2006 | 29 | 2.0× | 2 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2004 | 28 | 2.5× | 4 | Brake | Avoid |
| 2003 | 8 | −48% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median 7 Series year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 7 Series problems
Latest BMW 7 Series recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Other › Labels
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 7-series and model year 2010 550i grand turismo vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and authorized BMW dealers will replace the tire label free of charge. The safety recall began on April 16, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers May not have been manufactured to specifications and May not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with front seat heating systems, upon entering and exiting the vehicle, excessive contact with the side bolster that is contained in the seat's backrest May damage the heating mat located in this area.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit. The recall is expected to begin during December 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 7 Series should you avoid?
2004 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 7 Series years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2004.
What is the best year for the BMW 7 Series?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other 7 Series years at the same age, followed by 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 7 Series problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (17), transmission & drivetrain (17) and engine & cooling (15). Airbag complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 7 Series had?
7 recalls across 2003–2010. The model year with the most is 2004. See all BMW 7 Series recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.