YearToAvoid

2020 BMW 740i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

17/100

#11 most-complained of 13 740i years

The 2020 BMW 740i has a Complaint Index of 17, ranked 11th out of 13 model years, meaning fewer reported problems than most other years. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 2 recalls for this year, both tied to the Electrical System and camera software.

Complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
23.5
21 city / 28.5 hwy

Top 2020 BMW 740i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System1 (100%)

2020 BMW 740i recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V576000Aug 1, 2024Engine105,588 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM):software

    BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

    Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 21V096000Feb 19, 2021Collision Avoidance & Cameras13,858 vehicles

    Back over prevention:software

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2020 BMW 740i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
28.5 MPG
Combined
23.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,375
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other 740i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Good425023.5
2019No verdict1004123.5
2020No verdict171223.5
2021No verdict251224
2023Avoid9211927

All BMW 740i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 BMW 740i reliable?
Compared to other 740i model years, 2020 ranks 11th out of 13 with a Complaint Index of 17, which is on the lower end of reported problems for this model.
How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 BMW 740i?
NHTSA lists 1 complaint for the 2020 BMW 740i, filed under the Electrical System category.
Does the 2020 BMW 740i have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 BMW 740i: one covering an Engine software update and one covering the rearview camera software in the Collision Avoidance & Cameras system.
What is the top problem area for the 2020 BMW 740i?
The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 100% of the single reported complaint.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 BMW 740i?
The EPA rates the 2020 BMW 740i at 23.5 mpg combined (21 city / 28.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,375.

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.