Is the 2012 BMW M3 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 M3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW M3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 BMW M3

○ Not enough data

2012 BMW M3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T18:17:56.352Z

Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 6
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2012: 6 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1988	2
1989	0
1990	0
1991	0
1992	0
1993	0
1994	0
1995	12
1996	1
1997	19
1998	14
1999	11
2000	0
2001	14
2002	40
2003	54
2004	31
2005	12
2006	14
2007	0
2008	82
2009	45
2010	15
2011	31
2012	6
2013	13
2014	0
2015	4
2016	5
2017	3
2018	9
2021	3
2022	1
2023	1
2025	2

Known problem areas

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

4 of 6 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 BMW M3. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (Air bags) was received in February.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-03

Takata recall is taking too long to replace my drivers side airbag in my 2012 BMW M3 convertible.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-09

Engine

2 of 6 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Approximately 5 miles after receiving the vehicle the rod bearings and crank suffered complete failure. I was in motion around 60MPH on a rural highway when the engine suddenly lost power.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-08

Driving in a parking lot, shifted from 1ST gear to second gear and at 4000 rpms, the car stopped. It would not restart. Towed card to dealer and it needed an engine replacement which was covered under my warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-01

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

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

2019-08-14Electrical system19V472000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 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

Buy-smart checklist

2012 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
Recall 19V472000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 BMW M3 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 M3?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW M3 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.