Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995 | 15 | 0 |
| 1994 | 8 | 0 |
| 1993 525 | 3 | 1 |
| 1992 525 | 14 | 1 |
| 1991 525 | 15 | 2 |
| 1990 525 | 7 | 2 |
| 1989 | 3 | 3 |
| 1988 | 0 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Electrical system15
- Vehicle speed control12
- Air bags10
- Engine and engine cooling8
- Visibility7
- Power train7
- Steering5
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Recalls
5 campaigns cover the 525.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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.
THE 80-AMPERE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN DEVELOP MECHANICAL WEAKNESS DUE TO AGING AND THERMAL STRESSES, AND CAN BREAK.
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.
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.
NHTSA recalls