2012 BMW 328xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2012 BMW 328xi has a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 11 model years with data, with just 1 complaint and 4 recalls on file with NHTSA. It ranks 11th out of 11 years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than every other 328xi year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #11 of 11 328xi years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- —
Top 2012 BMW 328xi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other1 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
2012 BMW 328xi recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- 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.
2012 compared with other 328xi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 BMW 328xi reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2012 328xi has a complaint index of 0, the lowest of the 11 model years with data, and ranks 11th out of 11 in complaint volume, meaning it has fewer reported issues than other years.
- Does the 2012 BMW 328xi have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns covering the 2012 328xi, involving the electrical system (water pump and plug connector, and separate software update) and airbags (driver air bag module and inflator replacement).
- What is the median mileage at failure for the 2012 328xi?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles for the one complaint on file for the 2012 328xi.
- How does the 2012 328xi compare to other 328xi years?
- The 2012 model year has a complaint index of 0, well below years like 2007 (100) and 2008 (90), which are rated Avoid, making 2012 one of the lowest-complaint years for the 328xi.
- Are the 2012 328xi recalls serious?
- None of the 4 recalls affecting the 2012 328xi are marked do-not-drive or park-outside by NHTSA, though they cover airbag and electrical system components.