1991 BMW 525: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1994

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

2 fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 15 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)3 complaints

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints

Seats2 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint

“Temperature gauge went up. Took to mechanic, and they replaced water pump. Currently, consumer is now having a problem with thermostat. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000

“While driving at 45 mph and the srs light was on. Dealer was aware, but had to reschdule to another appointment during that time. The airbag deployed, causing injuries to the occupant. Dealer cannot determine problem. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 1997

“The brake light indicator flashed on the dashboard, soon after consumer noticed an electrical wire smell and smoke started coming from the air vents, and within seconds vehicle was on fire. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System

Show 2 more owner reports

“Recall 96v-1100000; ms. Russo was never notified about this recall. Ms. Russo had the problem to be fixed before hearing about this recall, and later she was informed through someone that there is a recall. So, ms. Russo checked out the recall at bell imports and they took care of the recall . *ak”Owner report · Air Bags

“While driving everything on the dash went out. After an hour everything came back on. Then went out again. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL91V029000 · Feb 1991

INSUFFICIENT AXIAL CLEARANCE EXISTS FOR THROTTLE VALVE, SHAFT, AND HOUSING DUE TO THE DIFFERENT THERMAL EXPANSION RATES OF THE SEPARATE PARTS WHEN VEHICLE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS.

Remedy: INSPECT AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THROTTLE HOUSING IF INSUFFICIENT AXIAL CLEARANCE IS FOUND.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS94V066000 · Apr 1994

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 COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.

Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.

How other years compare

1991 (this page)15 complaints · 2 recalls 199214 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact 525 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 BMW 525 reliable?

NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 BMW 525. The most complained-about area is air bags.

Does the 1991 BMW 525 have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.