1998 BMW 318
WBAAL31020JJ35841
Vehicle record for the 1998 BMW 318 (VIN WBAAL31020JJ35841). Gray, sedan, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Odesa. No NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WBAAL31020JJ35841
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Safety recall campaigns None on record
NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1998 BMW 318.
Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 8 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW 318, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 3
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 BMW 318.
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 10 MPH. WHILE PULLING FROM A STOP LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. *AK
Crash · NHTSA ODI #849082POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION KEPT POPPING OUT OF GEAR. ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 1 YEAR. BMW STATES THAT IT ISN'T WORTHY OF RECALL BECAUSE IT IS TOO RARE. IT CAN'T BE THAT RARE IF IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE, AND TO A FRIEND ONCE IN THE LAST YEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #707631VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING A COLLISION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Crash · NHTSA ODI #822392
