1992 BMW 525I
Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1992
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1992: 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
13 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Air bags
5 of 18 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing on-off switch assembly and inflator module.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 BMW 525I. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bag deployed causing severe burns.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-06
Dt: vehicle was involved in an frontal impact the air bags deployed, however the consumer sustained 3RD degree burns to the chin area, and had to have root canal work on a tooth. The vehicle was totaled. No repairs were made.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-06-30
While driving consumer's vehicle was hit on the driver side front quarter panel. The air bags deployed. Driver was burned in the face and chest.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Electrical system
4 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Smoke came from air vents while driving. Car cabin ignited in flames after getting out of car.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-25
Battery exploded.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-10
Structure
2 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and body.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was rearended while traveling abou 30-40MPH. Upon impact, vehicle caught on fire, totaling the vehicle, fire departement unable to determine the cause of the fire, fire maybe linked to the gas filler and the tailights.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-02
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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R
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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R
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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R
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
1992 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 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 1992 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 1992 BMW 525I?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1992 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.