VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW 740Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW 740Li — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other 740Li years?

740Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted16 complaints2011: 16 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 6 complaints
740Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW 740Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission338%
Electrical System113%
Engine113%
Fuel System113%
Other113%
Suspension113%

Does the 2012 BMW 740Li have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V067000TransmissionFebruary 2, 2017 · 8,752 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740LI. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED OFTEN. DURING THE FAILURE, THE "POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTIONING" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 6, 2019

“DRIVETRAIN SIGNAL CAME ON LIGHT IN CAR STARTED TO TURN ON AND OFF GEARSHIFT BECAME REAL COLD STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ONLY ALLOW TO GO 50 MPH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 10, 2018

“The contact owns a 2012 BMW 740LI Sedan. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle backfired which resulted in the vehicle exploding. The drive train malfunction warning light was illuminated. There was black smoking coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 2, 2022 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 55 MPH, A WARNING SOUNDS (DINGS) AS MY CAR READS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION AND IT REDUCES SPEED. IT ALSO SAYS (READS) DRIVING COMFORT RESTRICTED AND IT STOPS AUTOMATICALLY AS I'M DRIVING. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 22, 2020

“DRIVETRAIN SIGNAL CAME ON LIGHT IN CAR STARTED TO TURN ON AND OFF GEARSHIFT BECAME REAL COLD STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ONLY ALLOW TO GO 50 MPH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2018

2012 BMW 740Li — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW 740Li reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 BMW 740Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 BMW 740Li. 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.