- 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 525 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1990 BMW 525 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (3) and the steering (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 1994 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1989 has 3 and the 1991 has 15.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 525 year, for its age
#133 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 BMW 525 problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 BMW 525 recalls 2
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
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Occupant would not be properly restrained and could be injured in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
- The fix
- Replace front seat safety belt buckles with shorter version that will not contact the armrests. Note: owner notification date; 2/90 is prepared in draft form.
What owners say
Be the first 525 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
7 complaints about the 1990 BMW 525
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Driver's seat belt failed to unlock after use. Locking mechanism broke. Also, seat adjuster rail had collapsed, causing seat to lean towards the right when going up hill. Taking vehicle to dealer to check. *Ak
Cooling system failed due to excessive pressure. Said defect is now the subject of a recall to fix the admitted defect by bmw of north america inc, recall no. 98V-178000. *Ak
Brake lights malfunctioned; also could not open unlocked door from inside/driver's seat wobbled and sea theater overheated, burning driver. *Ak
The vehicle lost steering power when driving the vehicle in a rain storm. Please describe. *Ak
Persistent gas fumes in passenger area, due to fuel line hose/fittings after recall. (94V066000) *dh
Driver's shoulder/lap belt buckles inoperative, plastic pieces have fallen into latch mechanism from release button, male won't go into female portion. Tt
When it rainy or there is water on ground water get into or on the belt which cause the power steering to go out and loss control. Tt
BMW 525: every year compared
All 525 years1990 BMW 525 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 BMW 525 | 7 | 2 | D | |
| 1990 BMW 325I | 12 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 525I | 11 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 535 | 4 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 535I | 2 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 318 | 1 | 1 | A | 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 525
Does the 1990 BMW 525 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 BMW 525: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (April 1994); buckle assembly (January 1990). 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 525?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (3), steering (2), fuel system (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 BMW 525 had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 10, 1995 and the latest on December 7, 1999. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 BMW 525 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical BMW 525 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 525 years have the most complaints?
1991 (15), 1995 (15), 1992 (14). See every BMW 525 year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 BMW 525 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