VehicleVerdict

1991 BMW 318 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 47 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.4 times the median 318 year — the 1991 model ranks #1 of 16 318 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (22 of 47), far ahead of electrical system at 5.

47

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 318 years?

318 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted47 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 47 complaints1992: 17 complaints1993: 17 complaints1994: 26 complaints1995: 28 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 6 complaints1998: 3 complaints2001: 6 complaints
318 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 318 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 BMW 318 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2247%
Electrical System511%
Airbags49%
Visibility & Wipers49%
Seats36%
Fuel System36%
Steering24%
Transmission24%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 1991 BMW 318 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

94V066000Fuel SystemApril 11, 1994 · 116,300 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

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

93V015000Visibility & WipersFebruary 1, 1993 · 375,000 units

Defect

THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.

Consequence

VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE. IN SOME CASES,BOILING COOLANT CAN CONTACT THE LOWER RIGHT LEG OF THE DRIVER RESULTING INBURNS. ALSO, ESCAPING COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE VAPORFOGGING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE WINDOWS, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

91V219000Speed ControlDecember 17, 1991 · 15,200 units

Defect

THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM, VENTED INTO THE INTAKE TRACT OF THE ENGINE AT THE BELLOWS BOOT AHEAD OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING, ALLOWS WARM WATER VAPOR FROM THE CRANKCASE VENT TO CONDENSE AND FREEZE IN THE COLDER BELLOWS BOOT WHEN THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS 15 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS. THE BUILD UP OF ICE CAN DISLODGE AND MOVE INTO THE THROTTLE HOUSING, PREVENTING THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM FULLY CLOSING WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE GAS PEDAL.

Consequence

IF THE THROTTLE PLATE IS PREVENTED FROM CLOSING, THEREIS AN INCREASE IN IDLE SPEED AS WELL AS SLOWER THAN NORMAL DECELERATION, WHICHOCCURS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING WITH A VERSION CONTAINING A MODIFIED HEATING SYSTEM ALONG WITH REROUTING OF THE CVS HOSE. THIS WILL PREVENT ICE BUILD-UP IN THE INTAKE TRACT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER IMPACT, VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK ANTI-FREEZE DUE TO DFECTIVE ENGINE PROFILE GASKET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 28, 1997 · crash

“FRONTAL COLLISION IMPACT 11:00 POSITION, LOST CONTROL, HIT AGAIN ON 1:00 POSITION, SPEED 40 MPH, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 10, 1994 · crash

“FRONTAL COLLISION IMPACT 11:00 POSITION, LOST CONTROL HIT AGAIN ON 1:00 POSITION SPEED 40 MPH, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE, LAP/SHOULDER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 10, 1994 · crash

1991 BMW 318 — common questions

Is the 1991 BMW 318 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 1991 model at #1 of 16 318 years. It is one of the 318 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 318 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).

Does the 1991 BMW 318 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 BMW 318. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 BMW 318 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 318 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 318 years to avoid are 1991. The cleanest record among 318 years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.