no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
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…
1991 BMW 525iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 525i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 20, 2012. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1991 BMW 525i has problems
13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Exterior lighting
2Structure
2Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Steering
1Vehicle speed control
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Latches/locks/linkages
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
1991 BMW 525i 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
Vehicle speed control
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN.
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CONTACT RING WIRING COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
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 525i 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 525i median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 525i owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
UPPER RADIATOR "PLASTIC MALE" OUTLET CONNECTING TO UPPER RUBBER HOSE EXPLODED CAUSING EXTRIME ENGINE OVERHEATING AND ENGINE FAILURE WITH NO WARNING EVEN AFTER DEALER INSTALLED NEW RADIATOR CAP RECALL IN AUGUST 1999. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT. CAR HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORD AT…
FLUID LEAKS SINCE '11/95. HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 3 COILS REPLACED; R/R LOWER TIMING COVER, REPLACED GASKETS/NEW DRIVE BELTS - R/R OIL PAN AND REPLACED GASKET TO THE TUNE OF $1,125.00 AT 39,243 MILES. WARANTY IS 4 YRS./50K MILES. ASKED FOR AN ADJUSTMENT DUE TO LOW MILEAGE AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL PROBLEMS.…
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM DESIGN CONTAINS A FLAW, WHEN REMOVING RADIATOR CAP CONSUMER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES DUE TO CAP NOT HAVING A TWO-STAGE RELEASE, O-RINGS AT THE BASE OF THE CAP ENSURE THAT THE PRESSURE IS MAINTAINED WITHIN THE RADIATOR UNTIL THE CAP IS FULLY UNSCREWED.
Own a 1991 525i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.