The 1989 BMW 525i has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 750,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the visibility. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING98V1780001998-08-04340,000 affected
Defect
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 OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS…
Consequence
IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
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.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“1 year ago motor went into consumer's vehicle. It split radiator in the seam. Consumer took recall 98v178000/ manufacturer's recall 98v178 into dealer to have repairs done. Because of damages it couldn't be taken care off. *ak the failure of the coolant system caused damage to the engine and…”
“Back end of the driver's side seat will not stay in place. Pins that actuate the back of the seat broke and allowed the seat to twist. If the vehicle is stopped with force the seat may break and slamm consumer against dashboard. Consumer is having difficulty in having the seat replaced due to…”
“Heater core exploded filling the car with suffocating steam, vapors, and hot liquid antifreeze which saturated both pant legs of 3 year old scalding both his legs causing second and third degree burns to both thighs, legs and right foot.”
“Vehicle parked in garage. Noticed leakage on floor of garage. Contacted dealer & took vehicle in oct. Was informed by mechanic the heater core had corroded & was weakened. The problem was well known & the heater core needed replacing. *ak”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1989 BMW 525i as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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