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1993 BMW 525iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1993 BMW 525ia, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 11, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1993 BMW 525ia 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
Power train10

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

1 recall

1993 BMW 525ia 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

1993 vs. every other 525ia 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 525ia median. How we score

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

What 525ia owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

"TRANS PROGRAM" WILL LIGHT UP ON DASHBOARD AND WHEN IT DOES, TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT BEFORE BUT NOW CONSTANT WHEN FIRST STARTING IN AM. IF I LET CAR SIT FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, "TRANS PROGRAM" WILL DISSAPPEAR AND CAR WILL SHIFT NORMALLY (AUTOMATIC TRANS). AFRAID TRANSMISSION…
Complaint 734019 · Oct 11, 2000

Own a 1993 525ia?

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