Menu

1991 BMW 318iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 318i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints81 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage70kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 26, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 BMW 318i has problems

8 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 cooling40
Air bags11
Electrical system10
Seat belts10

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

1 recall

1991 BMW 318i 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

Air bags: knee bolster

Recall 91V-054 · Apr 10, 1991 · 13,500 vehicles

Risk. CHEST DECELERATION EXCEEDS MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LIMIT WHICHRESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

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 318i 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 318i median. How we score

'84'85'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'01'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 318i owners report

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

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK. *JB THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM A FAULTY PROFILE GASKET. THE FAULTY GASKET WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER REVIEWED THE CASE AND…
Complaint 10032495 · Oct 12, 2003 · 68,881 miles

Own a 1991 318i?

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