How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 740ia have?

The 1999 BMW 740ia has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1999 BMW 740ia has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 1999 BMW 740ia?

Of 2 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline.

1999 BMW 740ia Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1999 BMW 740ia has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,864 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 99V004000 1999-01-04 1,615 affected

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS OF THE MAIN POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CABLE (GENERATOR TO STARTER) INSULATION IS LESS THAN SPECIFIED, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING ABRADED OR CUT BY THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE CABLE TO THE GENERATOR.

Consequence

THE CABLE INSULATION CAN BE WORN AWAY, EXPOSING THE WIRE. THE WIRE COULD CONTACT THE CLIP OR A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL APPLY A THICKNESS OF INSULATING TAPE TO THE CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE CLIP, AND INSTALL A REVISED CLIP.

POWER TRAIN 99V005000 1999-01-04 249 affected

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS.

Consequence

IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR MAY NO LONGER OPERATE IN REVERSE, 1ST, 2ND, OR 3RD GEARS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Complaints by component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Total complaints2

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Leaking fuel line in engine compartment close to exhaust. Leaking fuel is also vaporized and fumes get into vehicle and cause discomfort and nausea. Fumes could ignite harming occupants and others on the roadway. This is very common for owners of the bmw e38 and many other models. What I have…”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · reported 2009-04-20

“The gas pedal is at a poor postion, my wife patricia and myself get leg cramps from driving our 740 ia after a short time.*jb”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL · reported 2000-01-16

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1999 BMW 740ia as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.