2012 BMW X6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 BMW X6 has a complaint index of 84, ranking 4th worst among 20 model years, with 32 complaints and 7 recalls including 4 do-not-drive airbag and steering-related campaigns. NHTSA data give it an Avoid verdict, driven mainly by engine complaints (47% of cases).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 84/100
- #4 of 20 X6 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- 4 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 BMW X6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (47%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (28%)
- Fuel System7 (22%)
- Electrical System5 (16%)
- Steering3 (9%)
- Airbags2 (6%)
- Other2 (6%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine shuts down or drops to reduced power output without warning, sometimes while merging or accelerating.
- Engine burns excessive oil, with owners reporting heavy oil consumption and smoke or residue near the tailpipes.
- Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral or loses power at highway speed, leaving no ability to steer or brake normally.
- Transmission fails to downshift properly at speed, sometimes tied to a faulty electric auxiliary water pump.
- Power steering fluid leaks from a machining error in the steering gear, raising fire risk near hot exhaust parts.
- Fuel system hesitation paired with a 'service vehicle immediately' warning, traced to a defective fuel pump.
2012 BMW X6 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 20V016000Jan 15, 2020Airbags4,007 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
- NHTSA 19V017000Jan 14, 2019Airbags83,016 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
2012 BMW X6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other X6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 BMW X6 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 X6 has a complaint index of 84, the 4th highest (worst) among 20 model years of the X6, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X6?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine problems lead at 47% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 28% and Fuel System at 22%.
- Does the 2012 BMW X6 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 X6, including 4 do-not-drive recalls covering airbag inflators and a steering gear machining defect.
- At what mileage do 2012 X6 engine problems show up?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 69,950 miles for Engine-related complaints on the 2012 X6.
- How does the 2012 X6 compare to other X6 years?
- The 2012 X6 ranks 4th worst of 20 model years with a complaint index of 84, worse than the 2013 (79) and 2014 (53) but better than the 2009 (100) and 2010 (95).