2012 BMW 320I
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- 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: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
2 of 3 total reports mention: air bags.
Exterior lighting
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
Head lights for newer cars are too bright and blind drivers approaching from the opposite direction.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-26
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and electrical system
Electronic stability control (esc)
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
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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I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-10-25 Loss of power assist braking
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R
2014-01-31Service brakes, hydraulic13V454000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.
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R
2014-12-02Service brakes, hydraulic14V627000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.
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R
2015-10-07Exterior lighting15V520000 BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 BMW 320I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V454000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 14V627000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 15V520000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2012 BMW 320I 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 320I?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 320I 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.