VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW 7 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2009 BMW 7 Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other 7 Series years?

7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted42 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 35 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 42 complaints2007: 18 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 17 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints
7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 7 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 BMW 7 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine318%
Transmission318%
Electrical System318%
Fuel System212%
Body & Structure212%
Lighting16%
Brakes16%
Other16%
Speed Control16%

Does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V521000EngineOctober 20, 2011 · 32,084 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

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.

10V047000OtherFebruary 18, 2010 · 1,040 units

Defect

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. 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLE'S ARE EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE LABEL INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE'S SEATING CAPACITY IS FIVE (5) PASSENGERS. THE ACTUAL SEATING CAPACITY IS FOUR (4) PASSENGERS. THE TIRE SIZE, TIRE PRESSURE, AND VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT ON THE LABEL ARE CORRECT.

Consequence

THE TIRE LABEL DOES NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 110.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (B001314 - N63), BUT THERE WAS NO PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. MONTHS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 13, 2015

“09 BMW 750LI SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER A DSC MALFUNCTION/ TRANSMITION MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE JUST RECEIVED THE N63 RECALL SERVICE. THIS IS VARY DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AROUND 70 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE IT STARTED SHAKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 19, 2016

“09 BMW 750LI SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER A DSC MALFUNCTION/ TRANSMITION MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE JUST RECEIVED THE N63 RECALL SERVICE. THIS IS VARY DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AROUND 70 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE IT STARTED SHAKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 19, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PASSENGERS MIDDLE FINGERS WERE CAUGHT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, IN WHICH CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY. THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 3, 2010

“CAR STALLS OUT WHEN STOPPED THIS IS AFTER N93 RECALL GAS TANK IS FULL NO ONE KNOWS WHATS WRONG AFTER SITTING UP TO AN HOUR CAR STARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM. THIS HAPPEN AT LEAST FOUR TIMES”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 31, 2017

2009 BMW 7 Series — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW 7 Series reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 7 Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 BMW 7 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 7 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 7 Series years to avoid are 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among 7 Series years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.