CarRecordBook

1990–2011 · 18 model years

BMW 525i recalls & problems by year

41 recalls and 431 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. Pick a year for the full record.

Most complaints200484 complaints
Most recalls20024 recalls
Crashes reported14in owner complaints
Injuries reported250 deaths
Owner complaints by model yearSelect a bar to open that year
0234568901990: 11 complaints, 3 recalls1991: 13 complaints, 4 recalls1992: 18 complaints, 4 recalls1993: 5 complaints, 3 recalls1994: 7 complaints, 4 recalls1995: 24 complaints, 3 recalls2000: 0 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 22 complaints, 4 recalls2002: 29 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 32 complaints, 2 recalls2004: 84 complaints, 0 recalls2005: 35 complaints, 0 recalls2006: 77 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 72 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 1 complaints, 1 recalls2009: 1 complaints, 1 recalls2010: 0 complaints, 1 recalls2011: 0 complaints, 1 recalls1990199219942000200220042006200820102011
Model yearNHTSA starsEPA mpgRecallsComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesDeaths
2011 525i——100000
2010 525i——100000
2009 525i——110100
2008 525i——110000
2007 525i—21–22 mpg2723250
2006 525i—21 mpg3770410
2005 525i—20 mpg0350410
2004 525i—20–22 mpg08401720
2003 525i—19–21 mpg2323160
2002 525i—19–21 mpg4290220
2001 525i—19–21 mpg4222620
2000 525i——100000
1995 525i—19–20 mpg3241100
1994 525i—19–20 mpg470000
1993 525i—19–20 mpg350100
1992 525i—18 mpg4184230
1991 525i—15–18 mpg4130020
1990 525i—18 mpg3111010

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

  • Air bags169
  • Electrical system86
  • Engine and engine cooling60
  • Seats44
  • Seat belts43
  • Power train32
  • Exterior lighting25
  • Steering23