On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an...
1989-2002 · 9 model years
BMW 525IA Problems by year
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the BMW 525IA across 9 model years, and it has 6 recalls. The 1995 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (3). The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the visibility & wipers.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
525IA complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common 525IA problems
BMW 525IA recalls 6
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to...
Vehicle description: during the tire mounting process on certain passenger vehicles built with standard (non-sport) suspension and equipped with continental contitouringcontact ch95 ecoplus tires, size 225/65r16 95h, having dot codes 4001, 4101, or 4201, the...
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing...
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical...
The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside the vehicle.
Latest 525IA complaints
Vehicle in motion with defrost on, smoke came from defrost vent on dashboard, filling car instantly with smoke. Pulled off highway, opened windows, smoke clears then moved car approximately 200ft. Off main route to side street. Smoke and flames immediately came out of the defrost vent. Used 3 abc fire extinguishers, failing to contain the fire before the fire department arrived with 2 pumpers, and had to use afff foam to manage the fire due to high amounts of magnesium in the car. The newly purchased car was in...
Read the full complaint
very good condition, the car and contents are a total loss. Researched on line, found multiple reports of the same exact issue in this model, this was not unique. Also was not able to find any reports of recall for this defect. Also, will be contacting bmw of north america today. *Tr updated 12/06/12*lj
Dt*: the contact stated while starting the vehicle the coolant light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic replaced the radiator and hoses, gasket valve cover, regulator switch and determined the engine may be damaged. There is a nhtsa recall, # 98v178000, regarding the engine and engine cooling system. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin.
My car burst into flames while driving. The flames were coming from under the back seat. *Nm
"Trans program" will light up on dashboard and when it does, transmission will slip. This was intermittent before but now constant when first starting in am. If I let car sit for about 15 minutes, "trans program" will dissappear and car will shift normally (automatic trans). Afraid transmission might slip when car is in motion causing accident. Brought to dealer, could not explain whats wrong but wants to replace trans. Bmw has several technical service bulletins re. This (according to internet) but bmw will not share nor answer my letter. Went to independent trans. Mechanic who says transmission itself is fine. Thanks.*Ak
I started to spray the car with water when I got to the windshield I heard a crack when water hit it, when I looked I saw a crack across top ( near rear view-mirror).
Consumer had no knowledge of brake light switch/circuit recall which resulted in a vehicle fire. Nlm
Questions about the BMW 525IA
Which BMW 525IA years have the most problems?
Which BMW 525IA years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common BMW 525IA problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (3), visibility & wipers (3), electrical system (2) most often.
How many recalls does the BMW 525IA have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls across all BMW 525IA model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data