2012 BMW X6 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 28%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 BMW X6, 28% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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. I can feel it in the steering so thought it might be a bad tire but realized upon research it could be drive train or power steering. Noticed smoke coming out of the front grill after arriving home from work a week ago. Lifted the hood and looked around. Saw fluid baked onto a nozzle but couldnt read what fluid compartment it was.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11207055, filed 2019-05, 83,400 miles“Hello, I would like to file a complaint about my 2012 Bmw X6 3.5 x drive model. It has less then 100k miles on it and it transfer case failed and the dealer told that me they dont last more then 100k miles and it can not be repaired and must be fully replaced which they gave me a est $6,000.00 what I doint understand is this a main component and it should not fail or be made to fail before 100k miles, they are have a recall on the drive shaft which fails also which is connected to the transfer case. Could please review this on this make and model. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11164043, filed 2018-12, 102,000 miles“Driveshaft universal ball joint malfunction. Shows it's on recall . Engine turbo/supercharger failure. Engine coolant malfunction. The car stalls from the turbos malfunctioning & I feel the left wheel is about to fall off from driveshaft which makes a loud noise when you accelerate.”
NHTSA complaint #11374211, filed 2020-11, 95,000 miles“My car pulls hard and shudders when turning left or right or reversing at a very slow speed. Dangerous to drive shops have told me but they are having a hard time finding what issue is. My brother said it feels like the transfer case or all wheel drive not working. Shakes hard at every turn like wheel is dragging. My turbo's have been leaking since the day I got car and Bmw never advised me after I have repeatedly told them my car isnt driving at max potential. Im always told a lot of white steam or smoke coming out of exhaust is normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234876, filed 2019-07“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. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front driveshaft universal joint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11588636, filed 2024-05, 170,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V138000Mar 2, 2017BMW 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…Covers: BMW X6 2011–2014, X5 2011–2013, X6 Activehybrid SAC 2011
Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 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…
- 10135021Feb 1, 2018N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear: Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can…
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 10146821Sep 1, 2016CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10151302May 1, 2016N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10151404Aug 1, 2015Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a…
- 10151396Aug 1, 2015"Front Propeller (Drive) Shaft: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 11% |
| 2014 | 4 | 36% |
| 2013 | 6 | 24% |
| 2012 | 9 | 28% |
| 2011 | 10 | 32% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2012 BMW X6
15 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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