MYRModel Year Report

1991 BMW 318I

○ Not enough data
1991 BMW 318I
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:09.753Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 318I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1991 highlighted. 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1991 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 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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040426

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, 20030808

ENGINE GASKET FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990120

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20001208

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19910723 — air bags

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.

Campaign 91V054000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1991 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 91V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.