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
- 21
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1991
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1991: 21 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
21 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.
Air bags
4 of 21 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show 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, 1995-04-04
Also filed under Seats
Electrical system
4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.
Visibility
4 of 21 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and power window devices and controls.
Fuel system, gasoline
3 of 21 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing injectors and fuel pump.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1992-02-07Vehicle speed control91V219000 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…
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.
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I
1992-06-02Engineering analysisClosed 1993-03-30 Heater core failure
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R
1993-06-04Visibility93V015000 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…
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R
1994-06-25Fuel system, gasoline94V066000 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…
Remedy: A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
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I
1995-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 1996-07-15 Air bag wiring failure
Buy-smart checklist
1991 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V219000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 93V015000 · Visibility
- Recall 94V066000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 318 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.