1990 BMW 318
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 19 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FUMES OF GASOLINE SEEM TO BE DEGRADING THE PLASTIC MEMBRANE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK (FUEL TANK IS BUBLING)*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960229
SAFETY TIMELINE
HEATER CORE FAILURE
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 COMPEN
Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
Campaign 94V066000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V066000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 BMW 318 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 BMW 318?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 318 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.