VehicleVerdict

1991 BMW 525 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1991 BMW 525 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 525 years?

525 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 525 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 BMW 525 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine422%
Speed Control317%
Airbags317%
Seats211%
Electrical System211%
Fuel System16%
Steering16%
Transmission16%
Visibility & Wipers16%

Does the 1991 BMW 525 have recalls?

2 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.

91V029000Speed ControlFebruary 15, 1991 · 5,644 units

Defect

INSUFFICIENT AXIAL CLEARANCE EXISTS FOR THROTTLE VALVE, SHAFT, AND HOUSING DUE TO THE DIFFERENT THERMAL EXPANSION RATES OF THE SEPARATE PARTS WHEN VEHICLE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS.

Consequence

THE LIMITED AXIAL CLEARANCE CAN CAUSE THE MOVEMENT OF THETHROTTLE VALVE TO BE IMPEDED, THE VALVE IS UNABLE TO CLOSE. THIS IMPEDANCE WOULDKEEP THE VEHICLE FROM DECELERATING AT THE USUAL RATE AFTER THE GAS PEDAL ISRELEASED; THIS COULD CAUSE UNEXPECTED MAINTENANCE OF SPEED AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSPECT AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THROTTLE HOUSING IF INSUFFICIENT AXIAL CLEARANCE IS FOUND.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND THEY REPLACED WATER PUMP. CURRENTLY, CONSUMER IS NOW HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THERMOSTAT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2000

“RECALL 96V-1100000; MS. RUSSO WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS RECALL. MS. RUSSO HAD THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED BEFORE HEARING ABOUT THIS RECALL, AND LATER SHE WAS INFORMED THROUGH SOMEONE THAT THERE IS A RECALL. SO, MS. RUSSO CHECKED OUT THE RECALL AT BELL IMPORTS AND THEY TOOK CARE OF THE RECALL . *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags

“THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURIES PRIOR TO RECALL (91V-029). *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 12, 1995 · crash

“THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD, SOON AFTER CONSUMER NOTICED AN ELECTRICAL WIRE SMELL AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS, AND WITHIN SECONDS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

1991 BMW 525 — common questions

Is the 1991 BMW 525 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1991 525 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), speed control (3 complaints), airbags (3 complaints).

Does the 1991 BMW 525 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 BMW 525. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 BMW 525 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.