2012 BMW 128I
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 50 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 36 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
77% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PULLING IN PARKING LOT TO PARK GOING AT A VERY LOW SPEED I HIT THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT HOLD INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND JUMPED ON TO A SIDEWALK AND THEN INTO A BRICK WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131127
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20180502
TAKATA RECALL -- AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG, I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BMW IN LATE SEPTEMBER THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART IS AVAILABLE AND THAT I SHOULD GET MY CAR IN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171105
13% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
On February 25, 2026, BMW of South Miami performed the VANOS safety recall repair on my vehicle. The repair order documented that VANOS bolts were missing and retrieved from the engine oil pan and that VANOS components were serviced.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260306
7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
On February 25, 2026, BMW of South Miami performed the VANOS safety recall repair on my vehicle. The repair order documented that VANOS bolts were missing and retrieved from the engine oil pan and that VANOS components were serviced.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260306
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240709
3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 1 distinct report on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
PULLING IN PARKING LOT TO PARK GOING AT A VERY LOW SPEED I HIT THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT HOLD INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND JUMPED ON TO A SIDEWALK AND THEN INTO A BRICK WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131127
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW a
Campaign 13V044000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 19V579000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.
Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW 128I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V044000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V579000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 BMW 128I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 128I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 77% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 128I have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.