YearToAvoid

2012 BMW 328 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

33/100

#3 most-complained of 4 328 years

The 2012 BMW 328 has a Complaint Index of 33, the second-lowest among the 4 model years with data, earning a 'Good' rank (3rd of 4). NHTSA lists 7 complaints and 1 recall, with Airbags as the top problem area.

Complaints
7
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2012 BMW 328 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags3 (43%)
  2. Engine2 (29%)
  3. Seat Belts2 (29%)
  4. Electrical System1 (14%)
  5. Other1 (14%)
  6. Steering1 (14%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the seatbelt warning chime activating falsely even while properly fastened, sometimes fixed temporarily by restarting the car.
  • Airbag warning lights for both driver and passenger sides illuminated intermittently, later traced to a faulty passenger sensor pad.
  • Some owners with the 16V071000 recall reported that replacement airbag parts were unavailable at the time of the recall notice.
  • A dashboard message reading 'chassis stabilization: drive moderately' appeared along with loss of power steering and a whirring noise, traced to sheared bolts on the electric steering motor.
  • One owner reported the engine suddenly stopping while driving on a highway, with the dealer later stating the engine had jammed and needed replacement.
2012 BMW 328 complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2016Aug 2016Feb 2017Aug 2017Dec 2017Feb 2018Nov 2018
10 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2016 to Nov 2018; peak Feb 2016 (3).

2012 BMW 328 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2012 compared with other 328 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010No verdict031—
2011Avoid100371—
2012Good3371—
2013Caution67101—

All BMW 328 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 BMW 328 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 model has a Complaint Index of 33 and ranks 3rd out of 4 model years with data, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other 328 years.
What year BMW 328 should I avoid?
Among the years with data, the 2011 328 has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and is labeled 'Avoid,' while the 2012 model's index of 33 is much lower.
Does the 2012 BMW 328 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 328, campaign 16V071000, covering airbag module or inflator replacement.
What is the top problem area for the 2012 BMW 328?
Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 43% of the 7 complaints NHTSA has on file for this year.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.