2012 BMW X3 recalls and problems
The 2012 BMW X3 has 2 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 BMW X3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 BMW X3 recalls
Recall 17V-495: Air Bags
Problem: 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. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-333: Child Seat
Problem: 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, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2012 BMW X3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 18 | |
| Engine | 8 | |
| Steering | 7 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 4
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,155 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 BMW X3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW X3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 BMW X3: 17V-495 (air bags), 16V-333 (child seat). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 BMW X3?
Owners report air bags problems most often (18 reports), followed by engine (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,155 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.