MYRModel Year Report

1992 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1992 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:27.432Z

Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
16

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1992

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 16 complaints 1992 16 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1992 16 1993: 17 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1992 16 1993: 17 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints 2001

1992: 16 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19843
19852
19860
19870
19880
19890
19901
199121
199216
199317
199420
199519
19965
19975
19983
20016

Known problem areas

Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

8 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Show complaint excerpts

The head and the gaskets and they are porus and they fall apart. Please describe. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-17

Parking brake

2 of 16 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing conventional.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While parked with brake on, emergency brake failed, vehicle rolled and hit another vehicle, once resulting in an accident. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09

Visibility

1 of 16 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 16 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

M/trans: accelerator sticks during cold weather; engine speeds up, even with brakes applied;nearly caused rear end accident;not included under recall…

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-11

Service brakes

1 of 16 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1992-06-02Engineering analysisClosed 1993-03-30 Heater core failure
  3. 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1994-08-29Fuel system, gasoline94V037000 The adhesive material of the two piece throttle body heater migrates into the circulation chamber causing build up of impurities and restriction of flow within the chamber. This condition and water…

    Remedy: BMW dealers will replace the throttle body heater with a modified heater.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1995-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 1996-07-15 Air bag wiring failure

Buy-smart checklist

1992 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Parking brake: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 91V219000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 93V015000 · Visibility
  • Recall 94V066000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 94V037000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1992 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 1992 BMW 318?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 318 have?
4 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.