VehicleVerdict

1989 BMW 525 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1989 BMW 525 — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other 525 years?

525 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted29 complaints1985: 1 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 11 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 19 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 8 complaints1995: 29 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 0 complaints
525 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 525 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 BMW 525 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System267%
Airbags133%

Does the 1989 BMW 525 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.

92V174000Electrical SystemDecember 2, 1992 · 15,900 units

Defect

THE 80-AMPERE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN DEVELOP MECHANICAL WEAKNESS DUE TO AGING AND THERMAL STRESSES, AND CAN BREAK.

Consequence

IF THE FUSIBLE LINK BREAKS, THE TOTAL VEHICLE ELECTRICALSYSTEM WOULD BE INTERRUPTED BY THE OPEN CIRCUIT. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WOULDBE INVOLVED, AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START, OR WOULD STOP, IF RUNNING. THISWOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, LOSS OFHAZARD WARNING LIGHTS, LOSS OF LIGHTS AT NIGHT AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE FUSIBLE LINK, AND REPLACE THE OLD FUSIBLE LINK.

90V016000Seat BeltsJanuary 30, 1990 · 62,000 units

Defect

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.

Consequence

OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.

1989 BMW 525 — common questions

Is the 1989 BMW 525 reliable?

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

Does the 1989 BMW 525 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 BMW 525. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.