NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 BMW X6 Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 BMW X6 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 32 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 BMW X6. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 BMW X6 owner complaints

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW X6, describing incidents dated August 7, 2011 to April 30, 2024.

Most-cited components

Engine 15 complaints
Power Train 9 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 7 complaints
Electrical System 5 complaints
Steering 3 complaints
Air Bags 2 complaints

Of the 32 complaints on file, 2 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11588636 · Filed May 14, 2024
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…
ODI #11521696 · Filed May 12, 2023
Took vehicle in to get checked. Had a hose replaced due to antifreeze leak. After picking vehicle up. Interior lights doesn’t work, signal lights doesn’t work, and or emergency brakes doesn’t work. My car was perfectly fine since I’ve had it. Never experienced this issue before.
ODI #11516854 · Filed April 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fuel injector malfunction. The contact was then…

Read all 32 complaints

Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V016000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,007 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 11, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V017000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 59,965 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 11, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V017000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 14, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 83,016 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 14, 2019 · Vehicles built February 5, 2008 – June 25, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electric Auxiliary Water Pump Failure

NHTSA #18V248000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline — Turbo/Supercharger · NHTSA notice

Reported April 18, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 47,806 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.07% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 15, 2018 · Vehicles built November 15, 2007 – November 18, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Safety consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #18V030000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 41,808 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.47% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 9, 2018 · Vehicles built October 9, 2008 – March 27, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Driveshaft Universal Joint may Fail

NHTSA #17V138000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice

Reported March 2, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 121,909 vehicles

Repair completion: 79.32% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 18, 2017 · Vehicles built November 22, 2010 – April 22, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW 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 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Safety consequence

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V020000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 10, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 48,951 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 28, 2017 · Vehicles built July 25, 2007 – March 28, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2012 BMW X6. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

32 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW X6.

Power Train

ODI #11588636

Incident: April 30, 2024 · Filed: May 14, 2024

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. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11521696

Incident: March 27, 2023 · Filed: May 12, 2023

Took vehicle in to get checked. Had a hose replaced due to antifreeze leak. After picking vehicle up. Interior lights doesn’t work, signal lights doesn’t work, and or emergency brakes doesn’t work. My car was perfectly fine since I’ve had it. Never experienced this issue before.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11516854

Incident: April 6, 2023 · Filed: April 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fuel injector malfunction. The contact was then referred to the BMW dealer; however, the dealer informed him that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11475095

Incident: July 9, 2022 · Filed: July 21, 2022

Vehicle shifts into neutral while driving and then cuts off.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11432652

Incident: August 11, 2021 · Filed: September 12, 2021

High pressure Fuel pump went bad at 110k miles causing it to burn out modules luckily no fire started . Very dangerous car stopped randomly almost crashed .

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11431450

Incident: July 29, 2021 · Filed: September 2, 2021

Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles . Ive read multiple forums on same issue w other x6 this needs immediate attention someone could die .

Engine

ODI #11425631

Incident: August 1, 2020 · Filed: July 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that there was an unknown recall associated to the VIN. The dealer completed recall repairs. The contact stated on July 16, 2021 while her husband was driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,900.

Engine

ODI #11398563

Incident: July 3, 2020 · Filed: March 1, 2021

WHILE DRIVING OIL LEAKING FROM OIL COOLING UNIT ONTO SERPENTINE BELT CAUSING IT TO BREAK AND TWAINS INTO (INGESTED) THE ENGINE CAUSING TIMING CHAIN ISSUES.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11388188

Incident: July 8, 2020 · Filed: January 14, 2021

DRIVESHAFT WEAR, ENGINE TURBOCHARGER MALFUNCTION/CIRCUIT BOARD.

Suspension; Power Train; Engine

ODI #11374211

Incident: October 27, 2020 · Filed: November 11, 2020

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.

Other BMW X6 model years

Check your 2012 BMW X6 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW X6 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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