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BMW 7 Series Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year

Across 13 model years, NHTSA lists 6 recalls and 196 owner complaints for the BMW 7 Series. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.

BMW 7 Series by model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints 
2024 BMW 7 Series08
2023 BMW 7 Series023
2022 BMW 7 Series04
2021 BMW 7 Series05
2020 BMW 7 Series05
2019 BMW 7 Series05
2018 BMW 7 Series08
2017 BMW 7 Series012
2016 BMW 7 Series125
2015 BMW 7 Series16
2014 BMW 7 Series115
2013 BMW 7 Series126
2012 BMW 7 Series254

Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All BMW models.

BMW 7 Series: questions owners ask

Which BMW 7 Series year has the most problems?

By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the BMW 7 Series model years with the most are the 2012 (54), 2013 (26) and 2016 (25). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.

Which BMW 7 Series years have the fewest complaints?

Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2022 (4), 2019 (5) and 2020 (5), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.

How many recalls does the BMW 7 Series have?

NHTSA lists recalls for 5 BMW 7 Series model years, 6 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2012 (2), 2013 (1) and 2014 (1). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Which BMW 7 Series years have the most stalling complaints?

15 owner complaints across 2 BMW 7 Series model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2012 (11) and 2013 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.

How often does the BMW 7 Series fail its MOT?

In 2023 UK MOT tests, the BMW 7 Series's first-time failure rate ranged from 0.9% for cars first registered in 2022 to 21% for 2011, across 13 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, suspension, lights and electrics. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.