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 74% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 128I have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 BMW 128I

○ Not enough data

2012 BMW 128I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:46.512Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	1
2008	18
2009	26
2010	22
2011	50
2012	31
2013	36

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

74% · 23 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2013-11-27

Also filed under Vehicle speed control and service brakes

Takata recall

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-02

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, 2017-11-05

Engine

13% · 4 reports

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, 2026-03-06

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel/propulsion system

6% · 2 reports

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 2 reports

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, 2024-07-09

Vehicle speed control

3% · 1 report

CRASH

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-03-13Electrical system13V044000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-01Air bags16V071000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-10-04Electrical system19V579000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 BMW 128I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 23 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V044000 · Electrical system
Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
Recall 19V579000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling

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 74% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 128I have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.