VehicleVerdict

1991 BMW 325 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1991 BMW 325 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 325 years?

325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted38 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 30 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 13 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 30 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 30 complaints2003: 11 complaints2006: 13 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints
325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 325 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 BMW 325 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Airbags117%
Seat Belts117%
Body & Structure117%
Visibility & Wipers117%

Does the 1991 BMW 325 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.

92V140000Visibility & WipersSeptember 29, 1992 · 2,942 units

Defect

THE SCREW THAT SECURES THE WIPER SWITCH AT ONE LOCATION AND WHICH ALSO PROVIDES A GROUND FOR THE WIPER CIRCUIT, LOOSENS AS THE SWITCH IS OPERATED OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE SCREW CONTINUES TO LOOSEN THE GROUND FOR THE WIPER CIRCUIT IS INTERMITTENTLY OR COMPLETELY LOST.

Consequence

THE INTERMITTENT OR COMPLETE LOSS OF THE WIPER CIRCUITGROUND CAUSES THE WIPERS TO OPERATE ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL, RESULTING INREDUCED VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Remedy

RELOCATE THE WIPER SWITCH GROUND WIRE ATTACHMENT ON THE STEERING COLUMN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET AT 25 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND AND ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 30, 1998

“VEHICLE WAS IN USE WHEN DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT POPPED OUT OF BUCKLE AND WOULD NOT GO BACK IN, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

1991 BMW 325 — common questions

Is the 1991 BMW 325 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1991 BMW 325 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 BMW 325. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 BMW 325 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which BMW 325 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 325 years to avoid are 2001, 1987, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among 325 years belongs to 2000.

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.