7 Series (2001)
Data covers 8 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
N62B44
4.4L 8-cyl / 282 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
BMW 7 Series Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
5.4-V12-Gas
5.4L 12-cyl / 326 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the BMW 7 Series, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001 BMW 7 Series
On a used 2001 BMW 7 Series, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (13), the engine (13) and the cooling system (10). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2001 BMW 7 Series about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2001 BMW 7 Series about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2001 BMW 7 Series about the cooling system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2001 BMW 7 Series about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2001 BMW 7 Series about the fuel system.
Recalls (4)
FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series complaints?
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series have?
NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2001-2001 BMW 7 Series vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used BMW 7 Series?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the 7 Series have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 BMW 7 Series. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 51 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.