BMW 318 years to avoid
The BMW 318 years to avoid are 1991 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1989 is the cleanest year on record.
169
Total complaints
7
Recall campaigns
1984–2001
Years covered
1
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
318 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | High complaint rate | 47 |
Every 318 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 11 | 0 | |
| 1995 | 28 | 0 | |
| 1994 | 26 | 1 | |
| 1993 | 17 | 2 | |
| 1992 | 17 | 4 | |
| 1991avoid | 47 | 3 | |
| 1990 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1989 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1988 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1987 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1986 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1985 | 2 | 2 | |
| 1984 | 4 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW 318 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 318 years to avoid are 1991. The cleanest year on record is 1989.
What is the best year for the BMW 318?
By complaint volume, 1989 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 318 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW 318 have?
Across all model years, the 318 has 7 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 169 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.