MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:46.140Z

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
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

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 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1996: 5 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 5 1998: 3 complaints 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 1993: 17 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 5 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 1993: 17 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 5 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-06-27

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, 1998-07-31

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-14

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.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

Buy-smart checklist

1997 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 1 report 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.