The 1997 BMW 318i has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 410,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE…
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“While driving 65 mph engine check light remained on, and exhaust fumes were coming into the vehicle while the windows were closed. Consumer stated there was a recall on website concerning the catalytic converter oxygen sensor . Not able to locate that information in our data base. *ak”
“Consumer called complaining about having problems with the ignition switch. Also stated that when this happened she could not turn the vehicle off. Dealer was contacted and stated that is a manufacturer defect and to call this agency and report it. *ph”
“Original equipment on a 1998, bmw, 318i with 30283 miles. Driving 65 mph consumer heard noise coming from passenger's rear of vehicle. Tire tread had separated, causing $ 4000.00 damage to vehicle.*ak continental touring 205/60r15 91h ch95”
“Board level failure on automatic temperature control unit. Failure so widespread that no oem or renewed parts dealer has inventory. *nlm”
“Heater core failed. *yc”
“Possible design of all four tires experienced failure (michelin 185/65r15). *yc”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 BMW 318i as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.