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1991 BMW 318Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 318, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints218 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem15Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 31, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 BMW 318 has problems

21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling151
Air bags43
Visibility30
Electrical system30
Fuel system, gasoline20
Seats21
Exterior lighting10
Steering10
Equipment10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1991 BMW 318 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 94V-066 · Apr 11, 1994 · 116,300 vehicles

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core

Recall 93V-015 · Feb 1, 1993 · 375,000 vehicles

Risk. VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 91V-219 · Dec 17, 1991 · 15,200 vehicles

Risk. IF THE THROTTLE PLATE IS PREVENTED FROM CLOSING, THEREIS AN INCREASE IN IDLE SPEED AS WELL AS SLOWER THAN NORMAL DECELERATION, WHICHOCCURS WITHOUT PRIOR…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1991 vs. every other 318 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 318 median. How we score

'84'85'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1991 BMW 318, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
  2. AIR BAG WIRING FAILUREEA95013 · closed Jul 15, 1996
    Led to recall 96V-110
In owners' words

What 318 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT, VEHICLE WAS DRIPPING COOLIN FLUID. THE CONSUMER STOPPED AND SAW THE COOLING FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
Complaint 816844 · Oct 2, 1997
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER IMPACT, VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK ANTI-FREEZE DUE TO DFECTIVE ENGINE PROFILE GASKET.
Complaint 526567 · Oct 31, 1997

Own a 1991 318?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.