Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 735 recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

24 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

146,821 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1985 to 1998 model years. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1985
1
1986
1
1987
1
1988
2
1989
2
1990
2
1991
2
1992
1
1993
1
1997
0
1998
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19851
19861
19871
19882
19892
19902
19912
19921
19931
19970
19980

1985: 1; 1986: 1; 1987: 1; 1988: 2; 1989: 2; 1990: 2; 1991: 2; 1992: 1; 1993: 1; 1997: 0; 1998: 0

Year-by-year records

Bmw 735 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
198521Not available
1986110
1987010
198882+1
1989120
1990320
1991520
199221-1
1993010
199710Not available
1998100

Recall history

6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

85V065000 · Wheels:Hubcap/Cover

Reported: 1985-05-22 (May 22, 1985) · Model years: 1985

INCORRECT MACHINING OF THE SEATING SURFACE OF THE WHEELS WHERE IT CONTACTS THE HUB OF THE CAR MAY PREVENT THE WHEELS FROM MOUNTING SECURELY TO THE HUB. THIS MAY CAUSE THE WHEEL TO BREAK AND COULD FALL OFF. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE WHEELS COULD LOOSEN AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR. OWNERS SHOULD NOT DRIVE THEIR CARS UNTIL REPAIR WORK HAS BEEN DONE.

Remedy: SCRAPE THE CENTER BORE OF THE RIM SO IT CAN CLEAR THE CENTER OF THE HUB.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
86V151000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Reported: 1986-11-10 (November 10, 1986) · Model years: 1986, 1987

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.

Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
88V135000 · Seats

Reported: 1988-08-11 (August 11, 1988) · Model years: 1988

THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEATBACKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE RECLINING ARMS (ATTACHING BRACKETS).

Consequence: THERE MAY BE LOOSENESS OF, OR NOISE IN, THE SEATBACK;ALSO, DURING A SEVERE REAR IMPACT, SEATBACK MIGHT NOT SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: MANUALLY SEAT THE SEATBACK ON THE BASE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
90V016000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 1990-01-30 (January 30, 1990) · Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.

Consequence: OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
94V066000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1994-04-11 (April 11, 1994) · Model years: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.

Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
92V101000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1992-07-10 (July 10, 1992) · Model years: 1991

SOME OF THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A THROTTLE HOUSING ON WHICH THE THROTTLE VALVE SHAFT RETAINING NUT WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence: IF THE NUT WERE TO LOOSEN, MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE VALVECOULD BE IMPAIRED, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE BEING UNABLE TO DECELERATE WHEN THEGAS PEDAL IS RELEASED.

Remedy: THOSE THROTTLE HOUSINGS WITH SUSPECT MANUFACTURING CODES WILL HAVE THE THROTTLE VALVE SHIFT RETAINING NUT TORQUE TESTED, AND THOSE WITH INSUFFICIENT NUT TORQUE WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

24 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

8.3%Usable mileage2 / 24 records
79.2%Valid incident date19 / 24 records
100.0%Valid filing date24 / 24 records
79.2%Ordered incident and filing dates19 / 24 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19851986198719881989199019911992199319971998
Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 826031

CONSUMER'S WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE WHEN IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE, INJURING CONSUMER'S WIFE. CONSUMER STATED THAT IT SEEMED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK. *AK VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *SLC

Look up ODI 826031 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 972730

VEHICLE PARKED; TURNED ON IGNITION; SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE; ENGINE ACCELERATED; VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARDS FULL SPEED; WENT INTO WOODED AREA ACROSS STREET.

Look up ODI 972730 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 514996

CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATION.

Look up ODI 514996 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

225.0%
ODI 823723

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. *AK

Look up ODI 823723 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 550177

DEFECTIVE COOLING SYSTEM CAUSED RADIATOR TO MELT AND WATER PUMP TO FAIL. YH

Look up ODI 550177 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 840386

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IS ALWAYS OVERHEATING, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL VEHICLE COOL OFF. DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE. ALSO, WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED IT OVERHEATS. *AK

Look up ODI 840386 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 802525

CONSUMER STATES THAT HE WENT TO CHECK THE OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THE RADIATOR HOSE EXPLODED AND GAVE HIM 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS.*AK

Look up ODI 802525 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 840391

VEHICLE OVERHEATS DUE TO A CRACK WITHIN THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. ALSO, HEATER CORE LEAKED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE DUE TO A LEAKAGE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 840391 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
150.0%
ODI 11045359 · 91,642 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY BMW 735I 1985 CAR IN THE CITY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY SEAT TOTALLY WENT ALL THE WAY BACK I WAS ON MY BACK LUCKILY I DIDN'T HIT ANYBODY LATER ON I LOOKED AT MY SEAT I SAW THE POCKET THE LEATHER POCKET ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT I GOT INTO IT I FOUND A BRACKET A BAR SUPPORT BAR THAT HOLDS THE SEAT TOGETHER TOTALLY SNAPPED IN HALF I HAVE TRIED TO FIND THE SEAT AND REPLACE IT I'VE HAD NO LUCK AT ALL AND GETTING ANYTHING THAT WILL WORK THE SEATS ARE CONSIDERED BUFFALO SEATS THAT'S THE STYLE IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE I HAVE THINGS…

Look up ODI 11045359 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 884683

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DRIVER'S SEAT TILTED TO RIGHT AND FELL BACKWARDS PART OF THE WAY. NOW STUCK IN THAT POSITION.*AK DEALER STATED THAT THE CABLE CAME OFF OF THE TRACK. *SLC

Look up ODI 884683 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

240.0%
ODI 840977

CONSUMER'S FINGER GOT CAUGHT IN WINDOW WHILE THROWING OUT A TOOTH PICK. WINDOW STARTED ROLLING UP WITHOUT HAND ON THE SWITCH, CAUSING INJURY TO HER INDEX FINGER. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL CONDITION WHEN IT RAINED. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE ADDTIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Look up ODI 840977 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 10487355 · 202,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BMW 735 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 202,300. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 735I 1988 ##

Look up ODI 10487355 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 840391

VEHICLE OVERHEATS DUE TO A CRACK WITHIN THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. ALSO, HEATER CORE LEAKED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE DUE TO A LEAKAGE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 840391 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
SeatsToo few reports for a range91,642 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11045359 · 91,642 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY BMW 735I 1985 CAR IN THE CITY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY SEAT TOTALLY WENT ALL THE WAY BACK I WAS ON MY BACK LUCKILY I DIDN'T HIT ANYBODY LATER ON I LOOKED AT MY SEAT I SAW THE POCKET THE LEATHER POCKET ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT I GOT INTO IT I FOUND A BRACKET A BAR SUPPORT BAR THAT HOLDS THE SEAT TOGETHER TOTALLY SNAPPED IN HALF I HAVE TRIED TO FIND THE SEAT AND REPLACE IT I'VE HAD NO LUCK AT ALL AND GETTING ANYTHING THAT WILL WORK THE SEATS ARE CONSIDERED BUFFALO SEATS THAT'S THE STYLE IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE I HAVE THINGS…

Look up ODI 11045359 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range202,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10487355 · 202,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BMW 735 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 202,300. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 735I 1988 ##

Look up ODI 10487355 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1997: 1 complaints · 1998: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1997011
1998011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1997100
1998010

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentVehicle Speed ControlAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator AssemblySeatsVisibility:WindshieldElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Vehicle Speed Control—0000000
Air Bags:Frontal0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System00—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly000—000
1
ODI 840391

VEHICLE OVERHEATS DUE TO A CRACK WITHIN THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. ALSO, HEATER CORE LEAKED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE DUE TO A LEAKAGE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 840391 at NHTSA ↗

Seats0000—000
Visibility:Windshield00000—00
Electrical System000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000
1
ODI 840391

VEHICLE OVERHEATS DUE TO A CRACK WITHIN THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. ALSO, HEATER CORE LEAKED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE DUE TO A LEAKAGE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 840391 at NHTSA ↗

000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 972730

VEHICLE PARKED; TURNED ON IGNITION; SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE; ENGINE ACCELERATED; VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARDS FULL SPEED; WENT INTO WOODED AREA ACROSS STREET.

Look up ODI 972730 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 970705

STEERING WHEN COMING AROUND CORNERS LOSS OF STEERING BINDING LOSS OF POWER. TT

Look up ODI 970705 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 961736

STEERING BOX HAS TO BE REPLACED, POWER STEERING CUTS OUT. TT

Look up ODI 961736 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b