The 1992 BMW 325 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 513,716 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
VISIBILITY93V0150001993-02-01375,000 affected
Defect
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Consequence
VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE…
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
SEATS92V0550001992-04-1422,416 affected
Defect
THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208. THE DRIVER'S CHEST RESULTANT ACCELERATION EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE 60 G'S IN A CRASH TEST WHEN THE SEAT HEIGHT CHANGES ADJUSTMENT UNDER SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT.
Consequence
THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL A DAMPER ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION, BETWEEN THE CUSHION FRAME AND THE SEAT TRACK. IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT THE DAMPER WILL HYDRAULICALLY LOCK, PREVENTING A CHANGE IN SEAT HEIGHT.
Complaints by component
AIR BAGS
2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2
2crashes1injuries
SEATS
2
1crashes1injuries
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
2
1crashes1injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1
Total complaints25
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 bmw 325. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to backfire and lose power. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle would also hesitate and shake when it was initially started. The vin was unknown. The current mileage was 206,000 and…”
“When shifting gears front will make a crackling noise. *ak consumer states entire back end suspension (struts left and right) holding the rear wheels, transmission differentials to the frame of the vehicle is separating from the frame, dealer has been informed, however refuses to acknowledge…”
“When shifting gears front will make a crackling noise. *ak consumer states entire back end suspension (struts left and right) holding the rear wheels, transmission differentials to the frame of the vehicle is separating from the frame, dealer has been informed, however refuses to acknowledge…”
“Heater core has ruptured, causing windows to fog up. This condition makes it hard for the driver to see. *ak”
“Consumer contacted manufacturer in reference to recall number 98v178000, consumer noted there was no dealer within a 500 mile radius. Manufacturer will not send another dealer parts to correct the problem. Please provide any further details. *ak”
“Gas tanks leaks if the vehicle is filled over the 1/2 full mark, possibly due to a seal failure. *ak”
“Dealer replaced the air bag light, and the air bag light is still on. *ak”
“Windows fog up and do not cool properly. Dealer not aware of problem. Repairwork not done. Provide further information. *ak”
Defect investigations
InvestigationEA92017 Opened 1992-06-02 · closed 1993-03-30
HEATER CORE FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
InvestigationEA95013 Opened 1995-03-31 · closed 1996-07-15
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1992 BMW 325 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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