1991 BMW 525I
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1991
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1991: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 4 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 13 |
| 1992 | 18 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 24 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 35 |
| 2006 | 77 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system and radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine cooling system design contains a flaw, when removing radiator cap consumer sustained burn injuries due to cap not having a two-stage release, o-rings at the base of the cap ensure that the pressure is maintained within the radiator until the...
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-16
Electrical system
3 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
I parked my car in the garage as usual. When I went out to leave home the steering was locked. Nothing out of the ordinary was done after parking it or when attempting to start it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-20
Also filed under Steering
Structure
2 of 13 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door.
Exterior lighting
2 of 13 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tail lights do not stay on due to defective sockets. The plastic sockets have melted from the heat of the tail light bulbs and no longer hold the bulbs in properly. They blink on and off and sometimes stay off all together.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-13
Air bags
2 of 13 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Traveling 65MPH going around a curb when suddenly, the driver's side air bag deployed for no reason. It obstructed the driver's view. Had not hit anything & no other vehicle had hit BMW. Steering wheel had to be taped to be driven.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-17
Safety timeline
4 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
1996-09-30Air bags96V110000 The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
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1996-09-30Exterior lighting96V111000 The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "Brake lights off" Position or in the "Brake lights on" Position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
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1997-10-30Vehicle speed control97V131000 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…
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…
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1999-03-31Engine and engine cooling98V178000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Buy-smart checklist
1991 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V110000 · Air bags
- Recall 96V111000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 1991 BMW 525I 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 525I?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 525I have?
- 4 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.