Is the 2012 BMW X6 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 X6?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X6 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 BMW X6

○ Not enough data

2012 BMW X6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:48.521Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 32
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 32 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2006	1
2007	1
2008	4
2009	19
2010	15
2011	31
2012	32
2013	25
2014	11
2015	9
2016	9
2017	3
2018	4
2019	5
2020	9
2021	7
2022	3
2023	1
2024	9
2025	1
2026	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

47% · 15 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Heavy oil consumption, water pump went out - engine over heated

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-09

Power train

28% · 9 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-14

Hello, I would like to file a complaint about my 2012 BMW X6 3.5 x drive model.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-29

Fuel/propulsion system

19% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Car is jumping forward when im coming to a stop at lights. Almost hit the car in front of me one time. It also shivers when turning slow or backing up and slowly acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-12

Electrical system

16% · 5 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

This vehicle does not have any audible or visual warning that any of the doors or hatch back is open prior to driving the vehicle. According to the dealership at princeton New Jersey BMW, the vehicle has to reach 5 MPH before there is a warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-09

Also filed under Structure

Steering

9% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2017-04-18Power train17V138000 BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-12-28Air bags17V020000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-09Air bags18V030000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-14Air bags19V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V016000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

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 →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 BMW X6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V138000 · Power train
Recall 17V020000 · Air bags
Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
Recall 20V016000 · Air bags
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2012 BMW X6 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 X6?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X6 have?: 7 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.