BMW 7 Series recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 46 safety recalls naming the BMW 7 Series, launched from 1999 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
BMW 7 Series recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 46
- 1999 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 17 March 2026
- R/2026/092
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every BMW 7 Series recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Checking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness
R/2026/092, launched 17 March 2026. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: The Safety Recall relates to the air-conditioning wiring harness located behind the dashboard. On the affected vehicles the wiring harness was fixed very close to a screw connection on the interior microfilter housing cover. The microfilter of the air conditioning system will be regularly replaced as part of the oil service. It cannot be ruled out that cables may be damaged when replacing the microfilter during a workshop visit. The filter cover has to be removed from the lower part of the instrument panel. After replacing the filter the cover has to be refitted at which point the wires may become damaged or trapped. If the wiring harness is damaged this could lead to malfunctions of the air conditioning system as well as to a short circuit. In case of a short circuit a sensor may overheat while the vehicle is in operation. As a result smoke may develop from the instrument panel and subsequently a fire cannot be ruled out.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the air-conditioning wiring harness will be checked repaired if necessary and re-secured in a modified fixing.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2025/405, launched 27 October 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X3, X4, Z4
Defect: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Remedy: Replacement of the starter motor.
Hydraulic Brake System Unit Replacement
R/2024/414, launched 24 October 2024. Also covers the 2 Series, 5 Series, X1, X2, X5, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles the brake servomotor was improperly welded. The weld seam might not withstand the stresses caused under high brake pressure leading to a requirement for a higher brake effort increasing the braking distance.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic unit of the brake system replaced.
Replace Double Universal Joint (Steering)
R/2024/409, launched 21 October 2024. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: On affected vehicles there may have been a deviation in the production of the double universal joint on the steering column. Certain steering movements could result in the component failing.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the double universal joint replaced.
Integrated Braking System
R/2024/383, launched 13 September 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 5 Series, X1, X2, X5, X5M, X6, X6M, X7, Xm
Defect: On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.
Remedy: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
R/2024/191, launched 1 May 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X5, Z4
Defect: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Integrated Braking System
R/2024/119, launched 7 March 2024. Also covers the 2 Series, 5 Series, X1, X5, X5M, X6, X6M, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced
Check Steering Wheel and Rework Ground Connection
R/2023/332, launched 16 November 2023. Also covers the 5 Series, X3
Defect: On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection may have been insufficiently fastened during production which may result in the system detecting the hands are on the steering wheel even though they are not
Remedy: On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection will be checked and if required reworked.
The seat module control unit controls the seat functions and after initialisation continuously transmits the seat position to the airbag control unit. A software error can lead to the loss of the initialisation function.
R/2023/055, launched 21 February 2023, 48 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The ‘seat module’ control unit controls the seat functions and after initialisation continuously transmits the seat position to the airbag control unit. A software error can lead to the loss of the initialisation function.
Remedy: Program the seat module control unit for all seats.
In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event
R/2022/261, launched 12 September 2022, 25,982 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series
Defect: In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event.
Remedy: Rework the starter motor assembly.
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
R/2022/255, launched 22 August 2022, 322,745 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7
Defect: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Remedy: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER MAY LEAK OVER TIME AND CAUSE THERMAL INCIDENT
R/2022/206, launched 1 August 2022, 319,399 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY BE FITTED WITH BRAKE DISCS WHICH ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION
R/2021/085, launched 15 March 2021, 705 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 8 Series, Z4
Defect: Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced
THE INTEGRATED BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC UNIT MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED INCORRECTLY
R/2021/054, launched 22 February 2021, 139 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 4 Series, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7
Defect: The Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly
Remedy: Replace the Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD LEAK OVER TIME
R/2021/037, launched 9 February 2021, 63,888 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, X5
Defect: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
REMAINING PARTICLES IN THE CELLS OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2020/283, launched 14 December 2020, 2,665 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, I8, X1, X2, X3, X5
Defect: A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.
Remedy: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.
REMAINING PARTICLES IN THE CELLS OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2020/298, launched 22 October 2020, 871 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X2, X5
Defect: In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.
Remedy: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.
IF THE HEAD AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED THE IGNITOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR
R/2020/136, launched 18 May 2020, 161 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, Countryman
Defect: Curtain airbags may have propellant which may have a humidity level higher than specification and in the event of a collision may not deploy correctly increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Replace the airbags on affected vehicles.
AUXILIARY WATER PUMP'S ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD COULD LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2019/057, launched 1 March 2019, 5,866 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, MINI Hatch, X5, X6
Defect: The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.
Remedy: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COOLER COULD LEAK
R/2018/341, launched 7 December 2018, 225,449 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Remedy: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD POTENTIALLY LEAK OVER TIME
R/2018/258, launched 5 November 2018, 153,602 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, X5
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
SOFTWARE FAULT IN CRANKSHAFT SENSOR
R/2018/260, launched 15 October 2018, 1,642 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, Countryman, MINI Hatch
Defect: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
SOFTWARE FAULT WITH CRANKSHAFT SENSOR
R/2018/211, launched 20 August 2018, 4,025 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, Countryman, MINI Hatch, X1, X2
Defect: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message ‘engine malfunction’. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
OIL COOLER MAY LEAK
R/2017/224, launched 7 July 2017, 71 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The engine oil cooler feed pipe may disconnect and leak oil. This may reach the front brakes and affect the braking efficiency.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace engine cooler pipe.
BRAKE SWITCH MAY BE ACTIVATED PERMANENTLY
R/2017/193, launched 20 June 2017, 24 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: The ball head connecting the brake pedal and the master brake cylinder the ball head might not be locked properly into the ball cage. If the driver accidentally pulls up the brake pedal the brake switch would be activated permanently. This will cause: The brake lamps to be illuminated even while driving A Check Control Message would not alert the driver. An engine start or gear selection would be possible without brake actuation. If the driver's door were opened after switching off the engine the gear would not switch automatically to P as designed.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the locking of the ball head on the brake pedal. If necessary the pedal mechanism will be replaced.
FRONT BRAKE EFFICIENCY MAY BE REDUCED
R/2017/167, launched 22 May 2017, 37 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The connection sleeves of the engine oil cooler pipes (feed and return) may not have been crimped correctly. This may result in the connection sleeves becoming loose and engine oil suddenly escaping. If the oil gets to the front brake discs the efficiency could be adverely affected.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the connection sleeves for the engine oil cooler pipes. Where necessary replace the pipes.
DRIVESHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT MAY BREAK
R/2017/132, launched 11 April 2017, 10,849 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, Z4
Defect: Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
Remedy: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version
FRONT AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT TENSIONERS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED
R/2016/265, launched 16 November 2016, 1,047 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: It has been identified that the airbag/SRS central sensor has been programmed with faulty software. If the vehicle is involved in a frontal or rearward collision then the airbag and seat belt tensioners may not be triggered which could lead to an increased risk of injury to the occupants.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the airbag/SRS central sensor.
AIRBAG MAY NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED
R/2016/176, launched 21 July 2016, 587 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Due to vibrations particles inside the airbag control unit may cause a short circuit. This may reset the control module illuminating the airbag warning lamp and prevent the airbag(s) from acting as intended during a collision.
Remedy: On affected vehicle replace the airbag control unit.
ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING
R/2014/068, launched 28 July 2014, 2,967 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X5, Z4
Defect: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Remedy: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
R/2013/095, launched 10 September 2013, 21,502 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, X6
Defect: Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2012/049, launched 27 April 2012, 21 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, Alpina, X5, X6
Defect: Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.
Remedy: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.
SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR
R/2011/147, launched 17 November 2011, 557 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, Alpina, X5, X6
Defect: Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.
RISK OF FIRE
R/2011/123, launched 5 October 2011, 21,923 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, X6
Defect: Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.
POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN BRAKE SERVO ASSISTANCE
R/2010/151, launched 11 November 2010, 10,567 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series
Defect: It is possible that engine oil can enter the brake servo via the brake vacuum pump and vacuum hose. If this occurs it could damage the brake servo membrane which may leak so causing a reduction in braking assistance and a requirement to apply increased pedal force to achieve the same braking efficiency.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified servo hose. In addition the checking of the brake servo for contamination and replacement if required.
REAR AXLE CARRIER MAY FAIL
R/2008/100, launched 15 July 2008, 665 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series
Defect: It has been identified that defects in a material joint may have resulted during the heat treatment of individual components of the rear axle carrier. This may result in failure of the holders of the links and struts even under normal driving conditions. Should the holder of a link fail whilst the vehicle is in motion the handling characteristics of the vehicle would undergo an unexpected change which could result in an accident.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will be checked and if necessary fitted with a quality assured rear axle carrier.
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING MAY FAIL
R/2006/119, launched 6 July 2006, 3,743 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series
Defect: It has been identified that the lower rubber mounting on the metal bush of the rear shock absorbers may fail to meet the quality requirement. Dependant on the mileage and operating conditions the rubber mounting may come completely free from the shock absorber. If this occurs the bodywork would no longer be supported above the wheels causing it to come into contact with the wheel concerned. Should this occur the possibility exists that a critical driving condition might occur or even the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the rear shock absorbers checked and replaced if necessary.
THE BEARINGS OF THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL
R/2005/022, launched 8 February 2005, 697 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series, E46, E53, E60, E61, E65, X5
Defect: The bearings of the high pressure fuel injector pump may fail after a short travelled distance (approximately 3000 to 6000 miles) This leads to a total failure of the engine's fuel supply which results in the engine stalling.
Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the fuel injector pump.
FRONT SEAT BACK-REST HEATER MAY OVERHEAT
R/2005/001, launched 23 December 2004, 3,009 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: Mechanical loads exerted on the back-rest heating element of the front seats when persons enter or exit the vehicle may result in damage to the door side contact line in the back-rest padding. In the event that this causes a break of a contact line the damaged area may overheat to unacceptable levels with the heater switched on. It would then not be possible to rule out the risk of minor burns to the occupants clothes and possibly their skin.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and check condition where necessary fit an additional in-line fuse.
SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR MAY FAIL AND INPACT ON AIRBAG PROTECTION
R/2004/141, launched 11 August 2004, 2,448 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front seat occupancy detector can fail to detect that a seat is occupied with the result that the front and associated side air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners may fail to operate in the event of a collision.
Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and carry out full coding of the ECUs reprogramming as necessary.
POSSIBILITY OF INADVERTNENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER
R/2004/131, launched 14 July 2004, 231 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, X5
Defect: Due to a hardware fault within the digital engine electronic control unit the possibility exists that the unit could fail completely resulting in loss of engine power.
Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the control unit with a quality assured item.
POSSIBILE FAULT IN THE DSC YAW RATE SENSOR
R/2004/056, launched 22 March 2004, 45 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: Due to a possible manufacturing error the damping element of the Directional Stability Control (DSC) yaw rate sensor could be faulty.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles check the batch number and replace if necessary.
POSSIBLE FLUID LEAK FROM POWER STEERING
R/2003/043, launched 28 February 2003, 1,627 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The threaded unions on the pressure lines for the power steering gear may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak oil. Leaking oil could cause the power steering system to fail and in extreme cases escaping oil could ignite on hot engine components.
Remedy: Check union bolts for signs of leakage. If leaks are found at either of the unions the steering gear will be replaced. If no leaks are found the union bolts will be checked for correct torque.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT WHILST THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN
R/2002/073, launched 10 July 2002, 832 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Due to an ECU software error within the electrical system the fuel pump may operate at an insufficient speed once the fuel tank level has been reduced to less than 30 litres.
Remedy: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled to have the ECU's reprogrammed with updated software.
BRAKE LIGHTS MAY FAIL TO OPERATE REMAIN ON OR FLICKER
R/1999/104, launched 15 December 1999, 5,634 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series
Defect: There is a possibility that the brake light switch circuits may become defective and cause the brake light circuit to fail stay on continuously or flicker. In extreme cases the brake switch could overheat.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace brake light switch with a modified version.
POSSIBILITY THAT GEARBOX MAY LOCK UP
R/1999/059, launched 30 July 1999, 12 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: Possibility that the automatic transmission may lock up at speeds below 15mph.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and fit a new quality assured gearbox.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a BMW 7 Series, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a BMW dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.