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1994 BMW 318icProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1994 BMW 318ic, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage104kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 2, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1994 BMW 318ic has problems

1 complaint 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
Electrical system10

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

2 recalls

1994 BMW 318ic 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

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 98V-178 · Aug 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles

Risk. IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY…

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

1994 vs. every other 318ic 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 318ic median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'00'01'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 318ic owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WASHED BIRD POOP OFF THE HOOD WITH AN OPEN HOSE (NO SPRAYER). CAR WOULD NOT START AFTERWARDS. HAD CAR TOWED TO BMW REPAIR SHOP. THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM OF WATER GETTING INTO THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. $2200 LATER (ENGINE HAD TO BE RETUNED BECAUSE OF FUEL INJECTED PROBLEMS) GOT IT BACK.…
Complaint 10037078 · Sep 2, 2003 · 103,707 miles

Own a 1994 318ic?

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