1992 BMW 525: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The consumer was driving at 30 mph smelled smoke and saw smoke coming from the vehicle. Consumer jumped out of vehicle, and the fire department came out to put out the fire. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
“In may of 1998 vehicle's parking brake failed and allowed vehicle to roll across a parking lot, striking another vehicle which caused approximately $2000.00 damage to the rear end of vehicle. Then, in may of 2001, parking brake failed again while the vehicle was in park, allowing vehicle to roll forward into a tree, causing approximately $10,000.00 damage to front end. Dealership/manufacturer were uncooperative in handling this problem. *ak the vehicle jumped out of park into reverse or neutral own it own causing accident. *yh”Owner report · Parking Brake · May 1998
“Wires in the hatchback are rubbing together which causes a short, and the back door won't open. Also, all the electrical parts are working intermittently, and transmission has been replaced twice. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1997
Show 5 more owner reports
“When starting the vehicle driver heard a loud noise, there was a smell of smoke and vehicle would not start. Mechanic stated that this was due to the battery exploding. The battery has been replaced. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1997
“During vehicle operation when going from 4th to 3rd gear at about 40-45 mph, the vehicle will automatically downshift to 1st gear. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1996
“Purchased car new, consumer was driving and smoke started to come from the dash, pulled over and car caught on fire. Please describe . *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 1996
“Vehicle rear ended another going about 35 mph and there was no deployment of the driver's side air bag. The whole front end was damaged, not seen by dealer. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 1996
“Brake light/circuit light came on, 1 min after light came on noticed smoke coming from underneath the dash near the steering area, resulting in a fire. *ak.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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
Check your exact 525 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 BMW 525 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 BMW 525. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1992 BMW 525 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.