MYRModel Year Report

1991 BMW 318I

○ Not enough data
1991 BMW 318I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:09:53.714Z

Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1991 8 1992: 8 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints
1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1991: 8 complaints 1991 8 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 1998 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003
1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1991: 8 complaints 1991 8 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 1998 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003

1991: 8 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19845
19857
19918
19928
199311
199414
199514
19963
19975
19988
20014
20033

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine profile gasket for M42 engine 4CYL, 16 valve has failed allowing all coolant fluid to leak from engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-26

The vehicle experienced a coolant leak. *jb the coolant leaked from a faulty profile gasket. The faulty gasket was the subject of a recall but the consumers vehicle was not included due to VIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-08

Engine gasket failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-20

Seat belts

1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Electrical system

1 of 8 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.

Air bags

1 of 8 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

When striking a wall head-on at 40 MPH driver's air bag did not deploy. Dealer has not been contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-08

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1991-07-23Air bags91V054000 During testing, incorrectly installed driver-side knee bolster prevented steering column from moving forward as designed to absorb impact energy from driver dummy.

    Remedy: Repair the knee bolster to allow clearance and avoid impedance of steering column movement during frontal impact.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1991 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 91V054000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1991 BMW 318I 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 1991 BMW 318I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 318I have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.