2003 BMW 745LI Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 20%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 BMW 745LI, 20% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,750 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving approximately 25 MPH and applying pressure to the brake pedal it became difficult to engage the brakes and almost rear ended a stopped vehicle. The brakes where no longer functioning properly after that. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where I was told vacuum brake pump, the lock ring seal, and the brake booster needed to be replaced. After some research I found out that there was a recall for my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10935554, filed 2016-12, 116,000 miles“03 745LI in for service regarding service engine ; when car was ready we picked it up and the park brake light was illuminated. They reset it and I left. 2 hrs later light returned. Now they say parking brake/actuator needs to be replaced over $1000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10412249, filed 2011-07, 96,000 miles“The 2003 Bmw 745LI has a recall campaign no.10v-446: brake vacuum pump. Took car in to local dealer and dealer refused to perform recall due to vacuum pump leaking oil, and must be replaced first full of charge at $1300.00usd. When in recall letter it states the problem to be small amount of oil could leak from the brake vacuum pump into the vacuum hose, dealer claims there are to only replace vacuum line hose. I don't have the money to perform the service and the moment so now I must drive vehicle with faulty brakes! Thanks Bmw USA!”
NHTSA complaint #10468771, filed 2012-08, 109,000 miles“In 2011 roseville Bmw began work on a recall for my vehicle (recall campaign 10v- 446.) the first step of the recall was performed but due to a ?visual inspection? It was deemed that the remaining steps were not necessary. According the recall notices they did not properly perform the recall and within 18 months the brake booster and pump began to fail, which caused the power assist braking to be inoperable. After bringing it to 2 Bmw technicians and the roseville Bmw dealership it has been consistently deemed that the problem is the exact same result of the recall with the same cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561201, filed 2014-01, 115,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rotors, brake wear sensors, and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11474996, filed 2022-07, 174,500 milesBrakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 745LI
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 745LI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology