2012 BMW X3 SAV Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 50%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2012 BMW X3 SAV, 50% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving 60 miles an hour on a highway and the engine in my 2012 Bmw x3 35i seized and went into neutral. I had to glide off to the side of the road into the grass. I have been told by the Bmw dealer (laurel Bmw westmont) that the car needs a new engine which would cost $22k. Bmw USA offered to pay 60% of the cost and would not discuss the safety issues. The car has 59.5k miles and was well maintained.”
NHTSA complaint #11120634, filed 2018-08, 59,500 miles“In 3 occasions (within 2 years duration) when I braked the car (brand new 2012 x3 2.8i) gently to stop it, it slowed down firstly but all in a sudden it accelerated with engine revved up (with noticeable engine noise), the brake seemed losing power at all. The first two times I could be able to stop it (by flooring the brake) before hitting the roadblock and the carpark entrance gate, the third time I could do nothing but hit into another car in the carpark due to the short distance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10969444, filed 2017-03, 12,000 milesEngine: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 BMW X3 SAV
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X3 SAV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology