How many airbag complaints does the 2012 BMW 128i have?

NHTSA lists 23 airbag complaints for the 2012 128i, which is 74% of all 31 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2012 BMW 128i?

Yes. Two recalls cover airbags on this model year: campaign 16V071000, covering driver's frontal airbag module or inflator replacement, and campaign 20V017000, covering driver airbag replacement.

Did the airbag problems cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to airbag complaints on the 2012 128i, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2012 128i is 30,500 miles.

Were parts available to fix the recalled airbags?

Multiple owners reported that replacement parts under recall 16V071000 were unavailable for an extended time after they were notified of the recall.

2012 BMW 128i Airbags Problems

Airbags account for 23 of 31 complaints (74%) filed on the 2012 BMW 128i, tied to two Takata-related recalls (16V071000 and 20V017000). Owners reported crashes with airbag deployment, replacement parts unavailability, and one injury from metal fragments; median mileage at failure was 30,500.

Airbags complaints: 23; 74% of 31
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 30,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Airbags deployed during low-speed turns and collisions, in one case sending metal fragments into the driver's face and chest.
Owners under the Takata recall (campaign 16V071000) reported that replacement parts were unavailable for extended periods after receiving recall notices.
Some owners said dealers performed only an interim repair, leaving a newer but still defective airbag inflator installed.
Several contacts said they had not experienced a failure but remained concerned about driving with an unrepaired Takata airbag.
One owner questioned whether BMW knew of the airbag defect before their 2014 purchase and asked about a buyback.

When 2012 BMW 128i airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 27, 2013, latest May 2, 2018.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2013 to May 2018; peak Apr 2017 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2012 BMW 128i

NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Airbags complaints by 128i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (41%)
201115 (30%)
201223 (74%)
201324 (67%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does the 2012 BMW 128i have?: NHTSA lists 23 airbag complaints for the 2012 128i, which is 74% of all 31 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2012 BMW 128i?: Yes. Two recalls cover airbags on this model year: campaign 16V071000, covering driver's frontal airbag module or inflator replacement, and campaign 20V017000, covering driver airbag replacement.
Did the airbag problems cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to airbag complaints on the 2012 128i, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2012 128i is 30,500 miles.
Were parts available to fix the recalled airbags?: Multiple owners reported that replacement parts under recall 16V071000 were unavailable for an extended time after they were notified of the recall.