BMW 525i years to avoid
The BMW 525i years to avoid are 2004, 2006, 2007, 2005, 1990, 2002, 2003, 1995 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2011 is the cleanest year on record.
663
Total complaints
16
Recall campaigns
1989–2011
Years covered
8
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
525i years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 123 | |
| 2006 | High complaint rate | 111 | |
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 98 | |
| 2005 | High complaint rate | 52 | |
| 1990 | High complaint rate | 51 | |
| 2002 | High complaint rate | 41 | |
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 40 | |
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 37 |
Every 525i year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2007avoid | 98 | 2 | |
| 2006avoid | 111 | 3 | |
| 2005avoid | 52 | 0 | |
| 2004avoid | 123 | 0 | |
| 2003avoid | 40 | 2 | |
| 2002avoid | 41 | 4 | |
| 2001 | 31 | 4 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1995avoid | 37 | 3 | |
| 1994 | 10 | 4 | |
| 1993 | 9 | 3 | |
| 1992 | 30 | 4 | |
| 1991 | 21 | 4 | |
| 1990avoid | 51 | 3 | |
| 1989 | 4 | 2 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW 525i years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 525i years to avoid are 2004, 2006, 2007, 2005, 1990, 2002, 2003, 1995. The cleanest year on record is 2011.
What is the best year for the BMW 525i?
By complaint volume, 2011 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 525i years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW 525i have?
Across all model years, the 525i has 16 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 663 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.