VehicleVerdict

2001 BMW 740ila problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2001 BMW 740ila — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other 740ila years?

740ila NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted4 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 0 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 0 complaints2001: 4 complaints
740ila NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740ila years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 BMW 740ila problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System125%
Engine125%
Other125%
Visibility & Wipers125%

Does the 2001 BMW 740ila have recalls?

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

02V138000EngineMay 16, 2002 · 1,550 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

01V206000EngineJune 21, 2001 · 76,469 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD 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.

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A SOUND WHICH WAS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. ALSO, RADIATOR HAD A CRACK. CHECK COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BMW CERTIFIED. *AK THE WINDOWS FELL OFF OF TRACK, THE CD PLAYER AND THE NAU SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 9, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A SOUND WHICH WAS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. ALSO, RADIATOR HAD A CRACK. CHECK COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BMW CERTIFIED. *AK THE WINDOWS FELL OFF OF TRACK, THE CD PLAYER AND THE NAU SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 9, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A SOUND WHICH WAS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. ALSO, RADIATOR HAD A CRACK. CHECK COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BMW CERTIFIED. *AK THE WINDOWS FELL OFF OF TRACK, THE CD PLAYER AND THE NAU SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 9, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A SOUND WHICH WAS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. ALSO, RADIATOR HAD A CRACK. CHECK COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BMW CERTIFIED. *AK THE WINDOWS FELL OFF OF TRACK, THE CD PLAYER AND THE NAU SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 9, 2004

2001 BMW 740ila — common questions

Is the 2001 BMW 740ila reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 BMW 740ila have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 BMW 740ila. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.