YearToAvoid

2009 BMW 7 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2009 BMW 7 Series has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the 8 model years with data, and ranks worst overall (1 of 8). NHTSA lists 9 complaints, 2 recalls, and a median failure mileage of 67,500 miles, giving it an Avoid verdict.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 8 7 Series years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
9
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2007
lowest-risk (no Good/Best year)

Top 2009 BMW 7 Series problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine3 (33%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain3 (33%)
  3. Brakes2 (22%)
  4. Electrical System2 (22%)
  5. Fuel System2 (22%)
  6. Structure & Body2 (22%)
  7. Other1 (11%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Turn signal bulbs appear to fail intermittently, with the issue clearing temporarily after restarting the car.
  • Passenger doors have closed unexpectedly, catching occupants' fingers and requiring hospital treatment.
  • Brakes pulsate at various speeds when coming to a stop, though dealers sometimes cannot duplicate the failure.
  • After N63 engine recall service, a drivetrain warning light has appeared along with sudden loss of power and shaking at highway speed.
  • The vehicle stalls at traffic lights and will not restart for at least an hour, later resuming normal operation with no diagnostic codes found.
  • Owners report stalling with a full tank even after the N63 gas tank recall service, with no clear cause identified.
2009 BMW 7 Series complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2010Apr 2011Mar 2013Jan 2016Aug 2016Nov 2016Jul 2017May 2018
9 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2010 to May 2018; peak Jul 2017 (2).

2009 BMW 7 Series recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V521000Oct 20, 2011Engine32,084 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:other fuel types:turbo/supercharger

    Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

    Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on december 19, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 10V047000Feb 18, 2010Other1,040 vehicles

    Equipment:other:labels

    Bmw is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 7-series and model year 2010 550i grand turismo vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110 "tire selection and rims." these vehicle's are equipped with a tire pressure label indicating that the vehicle's seating capacity is five (5) passengers. The actual seating capacity is four (4) passengers. The tire size, tire pressure, and vehicle capacity weight on the label are correct.

    Risk: The tire label does not conform to fmvss 110.

    Remedy: Bmw will notify owners and authorized bmw dealers will replace the tire label free of charge. The safety recall began on april 16, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2009 compared with other 7 Series years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Caution57131—
2008Avoid86111—
2009Avoid10092—
2010No verdict1422—
2011No verdict2931—

All BMW 7 Series years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 BMW 7 Series reliable?
Among the 8 BMW 7 Series model years with data, 2009 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst (1 of 8), earning an Avoid verdict.
What problems does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have?
NHTSA complaints point to Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues, each 33% of complaints, plus Brakes, Electrical, Fuel System, and Structure & Body issues each at 22% of complaints. The median mileage at failure across the model is 67,500 miles.
Does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 7 Series: one for an auxiliary water pump on 8- or 12-cylinder engines and one for incorrect tire label information under FMVSS 110.
How does the 2009 7 Series compare to other years?
2009 has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2008's 86, 2006's 71, and 2007's 57, making 2009 the worst-ranked year among the 8 years with data.
Were there any fires or injuries reported for the 2009 7 Series?
NHTSA data shows 1 fire and 3 injuries reported for the 2009 7 Series, with 0 crashes and 0 deaths recorded.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.