7 Series (F01)
Data covers 17 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
4.4-V8-Gas
4.4L 8-cyl / 400 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
N52B30
3.0L 6-cyl / 315 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
BMW 7 Series Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
4.4-V12-Gas
4.4L 12-cyl / 448 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
3.0-I4-Gas
3.0L 4-cyl / 315 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cyl / 255 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V8-Gas
3.0L 8-cyl / 350 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 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series
On a used 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (117), the transmission and drivetrain (67) and the electrical system (43). 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.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 117 owner complaints on the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 37 owner complaints on the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series about the body and structure.
Recalls (3)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series complaints?
Owners have filed 239 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2009-2015 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 239 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2015 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 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series have?
NHTSA has 239 owner complaints on file for the 2009-2015 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 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2009-2015 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 engine, the transmission and the electrical 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 2009-2015 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. 239 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.