1995 BMW 318I
Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 14 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2003 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 14 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT AT A LOW SPEED IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021205
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND LEAVES THE CAR DISFUNCTIONAL.DEALEER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990825
2 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATED UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE'S FLOOR BOARDS FILL WITH WATER. THIS SHORTED OUT THE COMPUTER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030808
THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20161219
1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
OVERTIGHTENED LUG NUTS CAUSED BOLTS TO BE SEVERED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970821
1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PULLING UP TO THE CURB TO LET A PASSENGER OUT DRIVER'S FRONT FLOOR MAT PUSHED UP AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL AND CAUSED CAR TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040415
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM TH
Campaign 97V131000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERAT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Campaign 98V178000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1995 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1995 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 1995 BMW 318I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 BMW 318I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.