1990 BMW 525
Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 7 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 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seats
3 of 7 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Seat belts
2 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver's shoulder/lap belt buckles inoperative, plastic pieces have fallen into latch mechanism from release button, male won't go into female portion.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-30
Steering
2 of 7 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
When it rainy or there is water on ground water get into or on the belt which cause the power steering to go out and loss control. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-10
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 7 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
Persistent gas fumes in passenger area, due to fuel line hose/fittings after recall. (94V066000)
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-28
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
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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R
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
1990 BMW 525 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seats: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V016000 · Seat belts
- Recall 94V066000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1990 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 1990 BMW 525?
- The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 525 have?
- 2 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.