Menu

1990 BMW 525Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1990 BMW 525, most often about the seat belts. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints71 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Seat belts

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 7, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 BMW 525 has problems

7 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
Seat belts20
Seats20
Steering21
Engine and engine cooling10
Latches/locks/linkages10
Exterior lighting10
Fuel system, gasoline10

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

2 recalls

1990 BMW 525 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

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 90V-016 · Jan 30, 1990 · 62,000 vehicles

Risk. OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF 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

1990 vs. every other 525 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 525 median. How we score

'85'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'97'98'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 525 owners report

Recent seat belts complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE, PLASTIC PIECES HAVE FALLEN INTO LATCH MECHANISM FROM RELEASE BUTTON, MALE WON'T GO INTO FEMALE PORTION. TT
Complaint 966017 · May 30, 1995
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNLOCK AFTER USE. LOCKING MECHANISM BROKE. ALSO, SEAT ADJUSTER RAIL HAD COLLAPSED, CAUSING SEAT TO LEAN TOWARDS THE RIGHT WHEN GOING UP HILL. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK. *AK
Complaint 853802 · Dec 7, 1999

Own a 1990 525?

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