BMW · Model Report
Safety data across 25 model years.
My 2023 BMW 740i has experienced the same serious failure twice at approximately 21,000 miles. The exact component causing the failure is currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection and is currently being returned to an authorized BMW dealer for diagnosis. During the first incident, while driving, multiple warnings suddenly appeared involving chassis stabilization, regenerative braking, the parking brake/roll-away system and drivetrain. The warnings escalated to “Stop. Apply parking brake” and “Drivetrain malfunction. You cannot continue driving.” Shortly afterward, the vehicle became completely immobilized and could not be shifted into Drive, Reverse or Neutral. It had to be towed to an authorized BMW dealer. BMW diagnosed the first incident as a failed 12V battery and replaced the battery under warranty. Only days after receiving the vehicle back with the new battery, the SAME failure occurred again while I was driving. Warning messages appeared stating “Drive carefully. Chassis stabilization,” “Regenerative braking,” and “Vehicle may roll. Brake manually.” The vehicle then displayed “Stop. Apply parking brake. Drivetrain malfunction. You cannot continue driving.” Once the final warning appeared, I had approximately 30 seconds to get out of active traffic before the vehicle became completely immobilized. I was fortunate to reach a parking area. Once stopped, the vehicle again could not be shifted into Drive, Reverse or Neutral and required another tow. My primary safety concern is the extremely short amount of time between the warning to stop driving and complete immobilization. If this occurred on an interstate, railroad crossing, busy intersection or another location without an immediate safe place to stop, the vehicle could become disabled in active traffic. The first BMW repair did not correct the condition. The vehicle is now undergoing diagnosis for the second occurrence.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
On [XXX] approx [XXX] PM, my 2023 BMW 740i (VIN [XXX], 46,093 mi, software 03/2026.30) suddenly accelerated on its own with no accelerator input from me. I was driving under 30 mph in Odessa, TX, shortly after making a left turn from [XXX] onto [XXX]. Once I felt the acceleration, I gradually braked while checking the HUD, which confirmed cruise control was NOT engaged. I also confirmed the accelerator pedal was not obstructed - the vehicle has only factory BMW all-weather floor mats, no aftermarket mats or parts. The vehicle came under control as I braked. No collision, no damage, no injuries, and no dashboard warning lights before, during, or after. Weather was clear, no precipitation. I purchased this vehicle new in May 2023. After the turning maneuver and settling on a straight path, then the acceleration began, the petal was pressed but the speed exceeded petal demands. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
No injuries · No fire · No crash
Vehicle Symptom: The vehicle exhibits a persistent rough idle and engine hesitation specifically when at operating temperature. This issue is most prevalent during "Auto Start/Stop" transitions and while idling in heavy traffic. The engine feels as though it may stall, creating a significant safety concern regarding predictable acceleration and vehicle control in live traffic. Safety Risk: The instability of the engine performance creates an unpredictable driving experience. There is a high risk of the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate properly when restarting from a stop, which could lead to a rear-end collision or leave the vehicle stranded in a dangerous intersection. Furthermore, despite these clear drivability issues and the engine's erratic behavior, the vehicle has not illuminated a Check Engine Light (CEL), depriving the driver of a necessary safety warning regarding these malfunctions.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
I am filing this complaint regarding an ongoing safety issue with my 2021 BMW 740i involving the lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all of which have stopped functioning properly. These features are critically tied to the windshield-mounted KAFAS camera, which I’ve now been told needs to be replaced. Initially, the BMW dealership attributed the issue to a software problem and charged me $500 for a software update. After the update, the driver assist systems remained non-functional. The dealership then diagnosed a failure with the front camera assembly and is now quoting me approximately $3,000 for replacement of the windshield and camera module. I have reviewed NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin SIB 66 08 23 (NHTSA ID: MC-10236236-9999), which outlines this exact issue, suggesting that BMW is aware of system limitations and hardware failures in this critical safety feature. However, this has not resulted in a recall or manufacturer-paid repair, despite the significant safety risk involved. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 BMW 740i and similar BMW models equipped with the same KAFAS camera system. The sudden failure of key driver assistance systems—especially lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control—can lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly on highways. I believe a recall or service campaign should be initiated requiring BMW to cover the cost of diagnosis and camera replacement due to the safety-critical nature of these systems. Please consider this complaint as a formal petition for further investigation and potential recall.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
My car is about 1.5 yers old, bmw 740i. I have been towed back to the dealer twice now for the same issue.i live in Illinois and work in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so I drive on the expressway a lot. I received the following message on my display while driving at 75-80 mph. The message is “ inability to drive.” I have received this 3 times. When it occurs the steering is more difficult and, I am told starts to shut down major systems, so needlessly to say quite unnerving and I had difficulty getting onto the shoulder. The first occurrence was last year in October (2024). I was afraid to drive the car when everyone else was travelling at high speeds. So had it towed to dealer. The dealer did not seem to understand this message and why it happened, and even what would happen. They did a software upgrade and told me it was fixed. On [XXX] it happened again, same message although different look with the software upgrade, and had to be towed. I don’t trust the car since no one can tell me why this is happening and what it does. The dealer said they are not familiar with it. I told them we have read online that others have had this happen, but no recalls or information. If this message is in the software there has to be a data dictionary that explains, 1) what triggers it, 2) why, 3) what does it do, and 4) can it be disabled. No one seems to know, and it is putting me at risk of an accident, that no one understands. I am afraid to drive the car. If I am in an accident because of this bmw should libel. Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
No injuries · No fire · No crash