2004 BMW 7 Series recalls and problems

The 2004 BMW 7 Series has 4 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
28
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 BMW 7 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 BMW 7 Series recalls

Recall 10V-446: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 04V-575: Seats

Reported Dec 6, 2004 · 17,905 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with front seat heating systems, upon entering and exiting the vehicle, excessive contact with the side bolster that is contained in the seat's backrest may damage the heating mat located in this area. If such damage were to occur, with the system turned on, the vehicle occupant may feel excessive heat from this area.

Risk: It is possible that the heating mat in the backrest's side bolster could overheat and damage, or melt a small hole in, this area of the seat cover. If this happened, it could lead to an occupant being burned.

Fix: Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit. The recall is expected to begin during december 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 04V-379: Seats

Reported Aug 9, 2004 · 3,940 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the software programming of the driver's seat occupant detection system (Ods) may not be able to reliably determine if the driver's seat is occupied.

Risk: In certain crash conditions, the driver's front air bag, head protection system, safety belt pretensioner, and knee air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury to a seat occupant.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the software for the driver's seat occupant detection system. The recall began october 13, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 04V-344: Power Train

Reported Jul 14, 2004 · 4,102 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (Emc) units were not produced according to specifications.

Risk: As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2004 BMW 7 Series problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Electrical System3
Steering3
Seats3
Air Bags3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Visibility2
Equipment2
Service Brakes2
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 1
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 BMW 7 Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 185,000 miles · reported May 2, 2016
I have been getting this error in my idrive system: "fault in passive restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear belts. Please contact the nearest bmw center."
Electrical System · at 140,000 miles · reported Oct 22, 2015
The rear side door unexpectedly open while driving, a week later the other side did the same thing the for open then it closed by its self. I was driving straight on a highwsy.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Apr 16, 2012
Check valve of the brake vaccum pump leaking. Chirping sound during idle. Should be covered under NHTSA campaign id number 10v446000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 64,385 miles · reported Aug 12, 2011
Hard to start, cranks for a while till it builds up pressure then starts. Idles rough and sometimes dies when sitting at stop light, and sputtering power at time when taking off, leaks fuel from right rear wheel well when filling with fuel. Also stalls while driving and total loss of power for steering and other controls, very dangerous when it occurs. I'm told it is the high pressure fuel pump and I must say that I cannot see how this part can be so expensive ($2,700) and surprised that bmw did not recall these and replace if this in an endemic fault. I was lucky that my car failed 20 yards…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 82,000 miles · reported Jul 11, 2011
In reference to bmw 760li fuel pump. Recently had to replace mine, after car stalled while driving on the the highway. Car also was hard to start, had to crank along time to build up enough prssure to start. Problem became worse over time.

Other BMW 7 Series years

Compare all BMW 7 Series years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 BMW 7 Series: 10V-446 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-575 (seats), 04V-379 (seats), 04V-344 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 7 Series?

Owners report power train problems most often (4 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,500 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.