1989 BMW 525
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 14 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
2 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical system problems, causing cluster module/power windows/alarm/power door locks to fail.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-22
Instrument cluster failed, causing failure of dashboard and engine safety warning systems.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-22
Air bags
1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Was in an accident and the air bag didn't deploy. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-03
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1990-03-08Seat belts90V016000 Under certain conditions, front seat center, fold-down arm rest may contact the safety belt buckle, causing damage to the release button and preventing the belt tongue from latching when buckling up.
Remedy: Replace front seat safety belt buckles with shorter version that will not contact the armrests. Note: owner notification date; 2/90 is prepared in draft form.
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1993-03-17Electrical system92V174000 The 80-ampere fusible link located in the engine compartment can develop mechanical weakness due to aging and thermal stresses, and can break.
Remedy: Reroute the electrical cables in the engine compartment to reduce the current flow through the fusible link, and replace the old fusible link.
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1994-06-25Fuel system, gasoline94V066000 Feed fuel hoses can harden and "Set" Over time, allowing a seepage of fuel at the connection between the hose and the engine fitting. The clamp used to hold the hose to the fitting is unable to…
Remedy: A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 BMW 525 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V016000 · Seat belts
- Recall 92V174000 · Electrical system
- Recall 94V066000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1989 BMW 525 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 1989 BMW 525?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 BMW 525 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.