2012 BMW 3 Series Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2012 BMW 3 Series. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 23V707000Oct 20, 2023157,796 vehicles potentially affected
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine
  Covers: BMW 3 Series 2010–2012, 1 Series 2010–2012, X5 2010–2011 +3 more

  Reported issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

  Possible consequence: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  Full campaign details →

• 22V119000Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehicles potentially affected
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
  Covers: BMW 3 Series 2006–2012, Z4 2006–2011, 128I 2008–2013 +3 more

  Reported issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i…

  Possible consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

  Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles…

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• 12V176000Apr 20, 20127,600 vehicles potentially affected
  Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
  Covers: BMW 3 Series 2012

  Reported issue: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 bmw 3-series vehicles manufactured from october 19, 2011, through march 18, 2012, that have front seat head restraints that exceed the downward movement limit of 25mm in the highest position. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 202a,"head restraints."

  Possible consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, the head restraint may unexpectedly move down slightly if it was adjusted to the fully extended position, increasing the risk of personal injury.

  Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will attach a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

  Full campaign details →

← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW 3 Series