CarRecordBook

1991–2003 · 10 model years

BMW 318i recalls & problems by year

12 recalls and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. Pick a year for the full record.

Most complaints199514 complaints
Most recalls19923 recalls
Crashes reported10in owner complaints
Injuries reported40 deaths
Owner complaints by model yearSelect a bar to open that year
051015201991: 8 complaints, 1 recalls1992: 8 complaints, 3 recalls1993: 11 complaints, 2 recalls1994: 14 complaints, 2 recalls1995: 14 complaints, 2 recalls1996: 3 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 5 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 8 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2003: 3 complaints, 0 recalls1991199219931994199519961997199820012003
Model yearNHTSA starsEPA mpgRecallsComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesDeaths
2003 318i——030000
2001 318i——041000
1998 318i——082010
1997 318i—22–23 mpg150000
1996 318i—22–23 mpg132010
1995 318i—21–22 mpg2142120
1994 318i—21–22 mpg2142000
1993 318i——2110000
1992 318i—20 mpg380000
1991 318i—19 mpg181000

Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints; NHTSA does not verify them. A year with more complaints is not necessarily worse: newer and best-selling years collect more reports.

Most-reported problem areas, all years

  • Engine and engine cooling31
  • Electrical system15
  • Air bags11
  • Vehicle speed control8
  • Power train6
  • Unknown or other5
  • Visibility5
  • Fuel system, gasoline3