2012 BMW X6
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 2 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION, WATER PUMP WENT OUT - ENGINE OVER HEATED
NHTSA ODI report, 20190509
28% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
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, 20240514
HELLO, I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2012 BMW X6 3.5 X DRIVE MODEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181229
19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
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, 20190512
16% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20120809
9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V138000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V020000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V030000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V248000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V017000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V016000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW X6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V138000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V020000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V030000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V248000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V016000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.