1991 BMW 318 Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 BMW 318 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1991 BMW 318. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 15 complaints (71% of the total), followed by air bags (4) and electrical system (3). Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling15 71%
- Air bags4 19%
- Electrical system3 14%
- Fuel system2 9.5%
- Seats2 9.5%
- Equipment1 4.8%
- Exterior lighting1 4.8%
- Seat belts1 4.8%
- Steering1 4.8%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “While driving vehicle the consumer found out, vehicle was dripping coolin fluid. The consumer stopped and saw the cooling fluid was coming out of the radiator. Dealer was contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #816844, filed 1997-10Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V066000Apr 11, 1994Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: BMW 318 1989–1993, 525 1989–1993, 325 1989–1993 +2 more
Feed fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time, allowing a seepage of fuel at the connection between the hose and the engine fitting. The clamp used to hold the hose to the fitting is unable to compensate for the hardening of the feed fuel hose.
- 93V015000Feb 1, 1993Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater coreCovers: BMW 318 1984–1985, 1991–1992, 325 1984–1993, M3 1988–1991
The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
- 91V219000Dec 17, 1991Vehicle speed controlCovers: BMW 318 1991–1992
The crankcase ventilation system, vented into the intake tract of the engine at the bellows boot ahead of the throttle housing, allows warm water vapor from the crankcase vent to condense and freeze in the colder bellows boot when the ambient air temperature…
Recall details for the 1991 BMW 318 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1991 BMW 318.
Other model years of the BMW 318
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 5 | 218,800 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 5 | 75,688 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 19 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 20 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 16 | — | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 21 | — | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 BMW 318 have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1991 BMW 318 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 BMW 318 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 15 complaints (71% of the total), followed by air bags with 4.
Has the 1991 BMW 318 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.