2012 BMW 7 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2012 BMW 7 Series has only 2 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 8 model years with data. It has 1 recall, for an auxiliary water pump issue on turbocharged engines, with no do-not-drive designation.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #8 of 8 7 Series years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2012 BMW 7 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine1 (50%)
- Other1 (50%)
- Seat Belts1 (50%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine losing oil between top-offs, needing extra oil added every few months without a clear leak source.
- One owner reported the vehicle unable to gain traction in light snow on a moderate grade despite functioning traction control and new tires.
- A seat belt-related complaint was logged at a median mileage of 200 miles, tied to the traction issue reported above.
2012 BMW 7 Series recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V161000Apr 10, 2012Engine2,846 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:other fuel types:turbo/supercharger
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, x5 sav, and x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
2012 compared with other 7 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 BMW 7 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2012 7 Series ranks 8th out of 8 for complaint index (0), the lowest of any year, with just 2 complaints logged.
- What problems does the 2012 BMW 7 Series have?
- NHTSA lists an engine oil consumption complaint and a seat belt/traction complaint. The top problem area is Engine, tied with Seat Belts and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at one complaint each.
- Does the 2012 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (12V161000) covers turbocharged 8- or 12-cylinder engines for an auxiliary water pump issue. It is not a do-not-drive recall; BMW replaces the pump free of charge.
- How does the 2012 model compare to other 7 Series years?
- The 2012 model's complaint index of 0 is far below the worst years, 2009 (100, Avoid) and 2008 (86, Avoid), making 2012 one of the lower-risk years for this model.