The 1990 BMW 525 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 178,300 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the seat belts. 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.
SEAT BELTS90V0160001990-01-3062,000 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
2
SEATS
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
1
1crashes
Total complaints11
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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”
“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”
“Brake lights malfunctioned; also could not open unlocked door from inside/driver's seat wobbled and sea theater overheated, burning driver. *ak”
“Brake lights malfunctioned; also could not open unlocked door from inside/driver's seat wobbled and sea theater overheated, burning driver. *ak”
“Brake lights malfunctioned; also could not open unlocked door from inside/driver's seat wobbled and sea theater overheated, burning driver. *ak”
“Persistent gas fumes in passenger area, due to fuel line hose/fittings after recall. (94v066000) *dh”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1990 BMW 525 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.