MYRModel Year Report

1996 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1996 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:37:04.387Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 318 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 1 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 16 complaints 1992 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1996: 5 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 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, 20030701

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, 19970527

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.

CRASH INJURY
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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19971208

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.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.