2012 BMW X3
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 42 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 86 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 171 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 110 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
43% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
Takata recall: I recently bought my used car from a Nissan dealership. Within the first month of operation, I noticed that a "Passenger restraint system malfunction" Would appear in the center console. It has not gone away since then.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-18
Engine
19% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Spontaneous engine fire while parked on a city street. Coolant pump replaced the morning of nov 8TH 2017. One hour after picking up the vehicle from the dealer and a few short trips, vehicle was parked, shut off and locked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-10
I emailed BMW of Arlington on [XXX] detailing the critical safety issue I experienced with my BMW X3 2012 on Sunday [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-02
Also filed under Service brakes
Steering
17% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 19 October my wife and I drove our new BMW X3 to a shopping center at the corner of gosnell and Virginia route 7 near tysons corner Virginia. When we attempted to drive the X3 out of the parking lot the steering wheel locked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-24
Power train
17% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-08-03
Our X3 new X3 has surged violently ahead on two occasions now, on one occasion with foot on brake. BMW are denying any other examples of this problem exist, which by viewing this website clearly is not the case.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-05
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and service brakes
Vehicle speed control
14% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-07-13Child seat16V333000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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R
2017-10-06Air bags17V495000 BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V333000 · Child seat
- Recall 17V495000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 BMW X3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 BMW X3 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X3 have?
- 2 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.