MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:26:53.395Z

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, 1997 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 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1997: 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.

AIR BAGS

2 of 5 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY THERE WAS A FLYING TIRE ON THE ROAD, AND TIRE HIT VEHICLE. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER, AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010627

AIR BAG SAFETY LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF. THE MANUAL STATES THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, COULD PREVENT SYSTEM FROM RESPONDING TO A HIGH INTENSITY FRONTAL IMPACT OCCURRING WITHIN NORMAL RESPONSE RANGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980731

STEERING

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. IT WON'T BUDGE. YOU CAN CRANK THE CAR..NO PROBLEM, BUT THE WHEEL IS LOCKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20111114

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 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 1997 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 1997 BMW 318?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 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.