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1991 BMW 525Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 525, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints158 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Vehicle speed control

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

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 BMW 525 has problems

15 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
Vehicle speed control33
Air bags31
Seats21
Electrical system21
Engine and engine cooling20
Visibility10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Power train10
Steering10

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

2 recalls

1991 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

Vehicle speed control

Recall 91V-029 · Feb 15, 1991 · 5,644 vehicles

Risk. THE LIMITED AXIAL CLEARANCE CAN CAUSE THE MOVEMENT OF THETHROTTLE VALVE TO BE IMPEDED, THE VALVE IS UNABLE TO CLOSE.

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 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
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1991 BMW 525, and the recalls they led to.

  1. AIR BAG WIRING FAILUREEA95013 · closed Jul 15, 1996
    Led to recall 96V-110
  2. STEERING LCK-UP/IMPEDIMENTPE94057 · closed Nov 25, 1994
    No recall
  3. AIR BAG WIRING FAILUREPE94088 · closed Mar 31, 1995
    Led to recall 96V-110
In owners' words

What 525 owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURIES PRIOR TO RECALL (91V-029). *AK
Complaint 500696 · Jan 5, 1996

Own a 1991 525?

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