MYRModel Year Report

2012 BMW X3 SAV

○ Not enough data
2012 BMW X3 SAV
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:55:58.494Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW X3 SAV Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2007: 160 complaints 2007 2008: 56 complaints 2008 2009: 16 complaints 2009 2010: 23 complaints 2010 2011: 13 complaints 2011 2012: 6 complaints 2012
2012: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2007160
200856
200916
201023
201113
20126

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE

3 of 6 total reports mention: engine.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

IN 3 OCCASIONS (WITHIN 2 YEARS DURATION) WHEN I BRAKED THE CAR (BRAND NEW 2012 X3 2.8I) GENTLY TO STOP IT, IT SLOWED DOWN FIRSTLY BUT ALL IN A SUDDEN IT ACCELERATED WITH ENGINE REVVED UP (WITH NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE), THE BRAKE SEEMED LOSING POWER...

NHTSA ODI report, 20170330

I WAS DRIVING 60 MILES AN HOUR ON A HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE IN MY 2012 BMW X3 35I SEIZED AND WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I HAD TO GLIDE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO THE GRASS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180817

BOLTS HOLDING THE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING VANOS HOUSING ARE DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND BMW NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A RECALL IN 2014 FOR 156000 VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180507

WHEELS

1 of 6 total reports mentions: wheels.

STEERING

1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES IN WARM WEATHER, THE STEERING FEELS "STICKY" AND IS HARD TO KEEP IN THE LANE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180724

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

IN 3 OCCASIONS (WITHIN 2 YEARS DURATION) WHEN I BRAKED THE CAR (BRAND NEW 2012 X3 2.8I) GENTLY TO STOP IT, IT SLOWED DOWN FIRSTLY BUT ALL IN A SUDDEN IT ACCELERATED WITH ENGINE REVVED UP (WITH NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE), THE BRAKE SEEMED LOSING POWER...

NHTSA ODI report, 20170330

POWER TRAIN

1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 BMW X3 SAV — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2012 BMW X3 SAV 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 X3 SAV?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X3 SAV 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.