VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW 740Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2013 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other 740Li years?

740Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW 740Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags114%
Engine114%
Fuel System114%
Latches & Locks114%
Other114%
Tires & Wheels114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2013 BMW 740Li have recalls?

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

17V379000LightingJune 14, 2017 · 92 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 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 2013 BMW 740LI. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON WHILE THE DRIVESHAFT WARNING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 16, 2019

“II WAS ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE LATE NIGHT AROUND 10.30PM WITH MY WIFE GOING SOUTH AND ALL OF SUDDEN WE HEAR LOUD NOISE FROM OUR CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHUT OFF BY ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY . I WAS GOING ON 70 MILES PER HOUR AND WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THERE WAS ONLY FEW CARS ON THE ROAD I WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 21, 2021

“MY WIFE HAS HAD SURGERY AND NEEDS A SEAT CUSHION. WHEN WE USE IT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT GOES ON. BMW OFFERS NO SOLUTION. "YOU MAY NOT USE A NON BMW AUTHORIZED CUSHION" ON YOU PASSENGER SEAT. I ASKED FOR AN AUTHORIZED BMW CUSHION, THEY SAID NON EXISTS. WE ARE AFRAID TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 25, 2013

“THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK BY TOUCH OR WITH THE REMOTE. HAD TO USE THE SLIDE OUT KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. ONCE INSIDE THE VEHICLE THE BUTTON INSIDE WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE OTHER DOORS. PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE ANY NUMBER OF TIMES WOULD NOT OPEN THE OTHER 3 DOORS. I HAD TO CRAWL OVER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 20, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 740LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TRUNK PISTON FRACTURED AND THE LID CRASHED ONTO THE CONTACT'S BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TRUNK PISTON AND LID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · August 9, 2014

2013 BMW 740Li — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 740Li reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 BMW 740Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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.