1991 BMW 525i Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 1991 BMW 525i has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (6 reports).

4Recalls
13Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 525i?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

1991 BMW 525i recalls

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Recall 98V178Aug 4, 1998340,000 vehicles affected

Vehicle Speed Control

Recall 97V131Aug 19, 1997410,000 vehicles affected

Air Bags:Frontal

Recall 96V110Jul 1, 199675,000 vehicles affected

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Recall 96V111Jul 1, 1996180,000 vehicles affected

Most common 1991 BMW 525i problems

Problem areas named in the 13 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Electrical System3
Air Bags2
Structure2
Exterior Lighting2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Power Train1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Seats1

What owners report

2012-10-20, Steering
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. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. *TR
2004-07-17, Seats
WHILE SITTING IN MY 1991 BMW 525I THE SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARD,AND SIDEWAYS. AFTER REMOVING THE SEAT, AND ALMOST COMPLETELY DISSASSEMBLING IT SO I COULD TRY TO REALIGN THE THING LONG ENOGH TO MAKE IT HOME,I WAS ABLE TO THROUGH BRUTE FORCE PUT IT BACK IN PLACE. LATER AFTER SEVERAL SUBSEQUENT FAILURES I WAS ABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM.THE CABLES THAT GO BETWEEN THE ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTORS AND THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT GEARBOXES WERE SHEATHED IN A FAILURE-PRONE PLASTIC! THE PLASTIC THROUGH TIME WEARS AND STRETCHES UNTILL THE DRIVE CABLE SLIPS OUT OF GEARBOX ALLOWING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I JUST CHECKED TO SEE IF THIS ITEM HAD BEEN RECALLED WITH NO LUCK. *AK
2002-11-13, Exterior Lighting
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. DEALER ADVISED ME TO BUY NEW ONES @ $320 EACH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT, BMW SHOULD REPLACE THEM. DT
2000-08-21, Engine And Engine Cooling
THE COOLING SYSTEM FAN CLUTCH FAILED WITHIN 45,000 MILES. NLM
1999-10-13, Engine And Engine Cooling
UPPER RADIATOR "PLASTIC MALE" OUTLET CONNECTING TO UPPER RUBBER HOSE EXPLODED CAUSING EXTRIME ENGINE OVERHEATING AND ENGINE FAILURE WITH NO WARNING EVEN AFTER DEALER INSTALLED NEW RADIATOR CAP RECALL IN AUGUST 1999. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT. CAR HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORD AT DEALERSHIP. REPORTED PROBLEM TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA. REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT WAS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BMW OF NORTH AMERICA.

1991 BMW 525i questions

Does the 1991 BMW 525i have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1991 BMW 525i: Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System; Vehicle Speed Control; Air Bags:Frontal; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1991 BMW 525i?

Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (6), Electrical System (3), Air Bags (2).

How do I check if a recall on my 1991 BMW 525i has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other BMW 525i years

Other 1991 BMW models