- The problem
- 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 risk
- 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.
- The fix
- A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
Vehicle safety record
1990 BMW 318 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1990 BMW 318 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in April 1994 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1989 has 0 and the 1991 has 22.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical 318 year, for its age
#220 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 BMW 318 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 BMW 318 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Be the first 318 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1990 BMW 318
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The fumes of gasoline seem to be degrading the plastic membrane of the plastic fuel tank (fuel tank is bubling)*ak
BMW 318: every year compared
All 318 years1990 BMW 318 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 BMW 318 | 1 | 1 | A | |
| 1990 BMW 325I | 12 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 525I | 11 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 525 | 7 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 535 | 4 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 535I | 2 | 2 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 BMW 318
Does the 1990 BMW 318 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1990 BMW 318: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (April 1994). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 BMW 318?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 BMW 318 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 29, 1996 and the latest on February 29, 1996. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 BMW 318 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 77 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical BMW 318 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 318 years have the most complaints?
1991 (22), 1994 (22), 1995 (19). See every BMW 318 year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 BMW 318 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data