2012 BMW 3 Series
Only 7 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 26 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 25 |
| 2006 | 202 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 53 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
3 of 7 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vanos bolt failure. 4 vanos bolt broken. Car stalled while driving. The car was driving on a city street while turning. No power at all. It is a 2011 328I.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-08
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 7 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Structure
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
This car has no "Safety catch" On the hood latch that the owner opens after first releasing the hood from inside the car. Instead, the owner opens the hood by pulling twice on the hood release level inside the car in the driver's footwell.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-11
Steering
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2012-05-30Seats12V176000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 BMW 3-series vehicles manufactured from October 19, 2011, through March 18, 2012, that have front seat head restraints that exceed the downward movement…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will attach a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts, free of charge. The safety recall began on May 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations…
-
I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-10-25 Loss of power assist braking
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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.
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R
2024-06-19Engine and engine cooling23V707000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V176000 · Seats
- Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 BMW 3 Series 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 3 Series?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have?
- 3 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.