1993 BMW 318
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1993
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1993: 17 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 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
13 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
Air bags
2 of 17 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was in an accident the driver side air bag didn't deploy. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-28
Upon frontal impact estimated speed 25-30 MPH, air bag failed to deploy. Please describe details. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-05
Seat belts
1 of 17 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Electrical system
1 of 17 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Purchased car with bare wire exposed in wiring loom which could cause a fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-02
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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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.
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I
1995-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 1996-07-15 Air bag wiring failure
Buy-smart checklist
1993 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 94V066000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 94V037000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1993 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 1993 BMW 318?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 76% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 318 have?
- 2 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.