1996 BMW 318
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
5 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system and belts and associated pulleys.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle had a gas leak in the tank. The dealer was notified. *ak the consumer filled the gas tank and 15 minutes later all the gas leaked out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-01
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic
Equipment
2 of 5 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
Air conditioner inoperative.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-27
Service brakes
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was driving, was hit by another vehicle in the front right corner, head on, seatbelts were worn at the time, air bags did not deploy{driver /passenger}, causing minor injuries and bruises.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-08
Also filed under Air bags
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1996 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1996 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 1996 BMW 318?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 318 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.