Menu

1991 BMW 318isProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 318is, 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 complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 19, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 BMW 318is has problems

6 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 cooling60
Visibility10

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

1 recall

1991 BMW 318is 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 318is 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 318is median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 318is owners report

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

TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKET FAILURE IS VERH HIGH FOR THE MOTOR. UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT, WHICH LEAKS SLOWLY OR ALL AT ONCE IS DUE TO GASKETS DESIGN.
Complaint 754605 · Nov 16, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED, 65MPH, THE PROFILE GASKET IN MY ENGINE FAILED. LARGE AMOUNTS OF STEAM CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND RESULTED IN A CONDITION OF ALMOST ZERO VISIBILITY. MY WINDSHIELD WAS COVERED WITH ANTIFREEZE AND I COULD NOT SEE THROUGHT HE STEAM. I BELIEVE THIS FAILURE TO BE…
Complaint 719415 · Feb 28, 2000
TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKET FAILURE IS VERH HIGH FOR THE MOTOR. UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT, WHICH LEAKS SLOWLY OR ALL AT ONCE IS DUE TO GASKETS DESIGN.
Complaint 541694 · Sep 25, 1998

Own a 1991 318is?

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