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1994 BMW 525iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1994 BMW 525ia, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints42 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage133kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1994 BMW 525ia has problems

4 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
Electrical system22
Engine and engine cooling21
Visibility21

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

2 recalls

1994 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 →

–no report yet

Doors: latch

Recall 94V-219 · Nov 8, 1994 · 2,180 vehicles

Risk. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT EITHER FROM THE DOORS OR FROM THE WINDOWS OF THE VEHICLE.

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

1994 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

VEHICLE IN MOTION WITH DEFROST ON, SMOKE CAME FROM DEFROST VENT ON DASHBOARD, FILLING CAR INSTANTLY WITH SMOKE. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY, OPENED WINDOWS, SMOKE CLEARS THEN MOVED CAR APPROXIMATELY 200FT. OFF MAIN ROUTE TO SIDE STREET. SMOKE AND FLAMES IMMEDIATELY CAME OUT OF THE DEFROST VENT. USED 3 ABC…
Complaint 10485095 · Nov 19, 2012 · 165,000 miles

Own a 1994 525ia?

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