2012 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,834miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 BMW X3, 5% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,834 miles.
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.
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was driving rough before stalling with the drivetrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a fault code variable camshaft timing control. The dealer made other repairs to the vehicle, and the fault codes disappeared. However, the contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and a local mechanic who confirmed a failure with the VANOS system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11569246, filed 2024-02, 92,669 miles“The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and hesitating during acceleration. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11467813, filed 2022-06, 89,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10215746May 1, 2022Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide…
- 10199287May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10198894May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10172490Feb 1, 2020Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5) replaces SI B12 33 14 dated February 2016. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be…
- 10169471Nov 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMIZING THE WATER DRAIN. The water drain in the engine compartment's passenger side cowl near the firewall may be inadequate during exceptionally high water…
- 10162396Jul 9, 2019N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can…
- 10162395Jul 9, 2019N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and…
- 10163995Jul 1, 2019DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction…
- 10163027Jun 1, 2019ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
- 10145292Jun 1, 2018TURBO BOOST ACTUATOR ROD LOOSE (DIESEL): Limited engine performance (lack of boost) with a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 24% |
| 2016 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 | 15 | 14% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 24 | 21% |
| 2010 | 14 | 44% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 15 | 23% |
| 2007 | 16 | 16% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 BMW X3
12 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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