2012 BMW 5 Series
Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 10 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550IX EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE P245/40/R19.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121025
3 of 10 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A ROAD WHEN A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I PARKED THE CAR HOME, SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. THE SAME WEEK I TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW SPECIALIST BECAUSE THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190714
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXCESSIVELY OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190212
2 of 10 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
2 of 10 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
BMW 550XI, NORMAL DRIVING, TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR CAME ON, CAR BECAME UNSTABLE. PARKED VEHICLE AND OBSERVED LARGE BUBBLE IN FRONT RIGHT TIRE SIDEWALL HAD SPLIT, CAUSING RAPID DEFLATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130808
THREE TIRE BUBBLES, FIRST AT 11,000 MILES, TWO MORE AT 12,000. ORIGINAL TIRES ON BMW 535XI SPORT. "GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNONFLAT" 245/40R19 BMW QUICKLY REPLACED FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN, AT PRORATED COST, SO THEY KNOW THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130619
1 of 10 total reports mentions: air bags.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Loss of power assist braking
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2012 BMW 5 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 5 Series?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 5 Series have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.