BMW 318iC recall history

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the BMW 318iC, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 9
Total Complaints 17
Years Covered 1992–2003

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the BMW 318iC. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the BMW 318iC, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Engine and cooling

1 campaign · Years: 1992–1995

These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system

Equipment and labeling

1 campaign · Years: 1995

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Other

1 campaign · Years: 1994–1997

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the BMW 318iC in NHTSA complaint data are Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system:ignition:module, Air bags.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2003 0 2 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting:headlights, Exterior lighting:brake lights.
2001 0 2 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan, Tires.
2000 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch.
1997 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:windshield.
1996 1 3 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:anchorage, Electrical system:wiring, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1995 3 6 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch, Vehicle speed control.
1994 2 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:module.
1993 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1992 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Vehicle speed control , Engine and engine cooling and Equipment

Show recall evidence by year

1997

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 se

1996

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 se

1995

  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: An overstatement was made of the vehicle load capacity and designated seating capacity on the tire information placard. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 110, "Tire selection and rims."
  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 se
  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1994

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 se
  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1993

  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1992

  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

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Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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