1991 BMW 318
Only 21 complaints 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 21 complaints 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 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
12 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
CRASH INJURY4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
4 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FRONTAL COLLISION IMPACT 11:00 POSITION, LOST CONTROL, HIT AGAIN ON 1:00 POSITION, SPEED 40 MPH, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950404
2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 I
Remedy: REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING WITH A VERSION CONTAINING A MODIFIED HEATING SYSTEM ALONG WITH REROUTING OF THE CVS HOSE. THIS WILL PREVENT ICE BUILD-UP IN THE INTAKE TRACT.
Campaign 91V219000 — check if this car was fixed
HEATER CORE FAILURE
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AN
Campaign 93V015000 — check if this car was fixed
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
AIR BAG WIRING FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V219000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V015000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V066000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 BMW 318?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 318 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.