How common are engine problems on the 2012 BMW X6?

NHTSA lists 15 engine-related complaints out of 32 total complaints for the 2012 X6, or 47% of all complaints filed for this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 BMW X6 engine?

Yes. Recall 18V248000, reported in 2018, covers replacement of the electric auxiliary water pump on certain 2011-2012 BMW models including the X6 xDrive50i and X6 M.

At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2012 X6?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 69,950 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.

Did the 2012 X6 engine issues cause crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires reported among the engine complaints for the 2012 BMW X6.

How does 2012 compare to other X6 model years for engine complaints?

The 2012 X6 had 15 engine complaints (47% share), lower than 2011's 18 complaints (58% share) but higher than most later model years, several of which show 0 or 1 complaints.

2012 BMW X6 Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 15 of 32 total complaints (47%) on the 2012 BMW X6, the highest share among sample years except 2010 and 2011. Median mileage at failure is 69,950 miles, and NHTSA lists a related recall (18V248000) for the auxiliary water pump.

Engine complaints: 15; 47% of 32
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 69,950 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power or reduced-output mode that limits the vehicle to a few miles per hour without warning.
Some describe the engine stalling or shutting down completely while driving at highway speed, including loss of steering and braking assist.
Several complaints mention overheating warnings tied to failed turbo coolant pumps or auxiliary water pumps, matching the related recall.
Owners report high oil consumption with visible smoke and residue around the tailpipes, sometimes needing quarts of oil added between oil changes.
A number of complaints describe stalling linked to failed fuel pumps, fuel injectors, or damaged VANOS solenoids.
One owner reported an oil leak onto the serpentine belt that led it to break and cause timing chain damage.

When 2012 BMW X6 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 3, 2015, latest Sep 2, 2021.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2015 to Sep 2021; peak Mar 2015 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2012 BMW X6

NHTSA 18V248000Apr 18, 2018Engine47,806 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Engine complaints by X6 model year

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

20108 (53%)
201118 (58%)
201215 (47%)
20138 (32%)
20140 (0%)
20154 (44%)
20161 (11%)
20171 (33%)
20180 (0%)
20192 (40%)
20201 (11%)
20211 (14%)
20220 (0%)
20230 (0%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2012 BMW X6?: NHTSA lists 15 engine-related complaints out of 32 total complaints for the 2012 X6, or 47% of all complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 BMW X6 engine?: Yes. Recall 18V248000, reported in 2018, covers replacement of the electric auxiliary water pump on certain 2011-2012 BMW models including the X6 xDrive50i and X6 M.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2012 X6?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 69,950 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.
Did the 2012 X6 engine issues cause crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires reported among the engine complaints for the 2012 BMW X6.
How does 2012 compare to other X6 model years for engine complaints?: The 2012 X6 had 15 engine complaints (47% share), lower than 2011's 18 complaints (58% share) but higher than most later model years, several of which show 0 or 1 complaints.