2021 BMW 740LI: Recalls, Problems & MPG

What's wrong: The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat May not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, section 6.1(b) "child restraint anchorage systems."

Why it matters: A child restraint system placed on the vehicle's rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which are equipped with an accessible top tether anchor, or, the middle rear seating…

What's wrong: The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator May not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Why it matters: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.

What's wrong: The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels May break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.

Why it matters: A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021.

What's wrong: The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system May not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the antilock brake system (ABS) and braking assistance.

Why it matters: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021.

What's wrong: After repeated attempts, the starter motor May overheat from an electrical overload.

Why it matters: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24v576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026.

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2021 BMW 740LI. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.