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BMW · NHTSA safety record

2012 BMW X6

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

32

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2012 BMW X6 have filed 32 safety complaints with NHTSA between August 2012 and May 2024. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 15 of them (47%). The typical failure was reported at 72,450 miles, the median across the 24 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (7)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V017000 · January 15, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 59,965 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V016000 · January 15, 2020

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 4,007 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V017000 · January 14, 2019

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 83,016 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

18V248000 · April 18, 2018

The defect
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.
The risk
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 47,806 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V030000 · January 9, 2018

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 41,808 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

17V138000 · March 2, 2017

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
The risk
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 121,909 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V020000 · January 10, 2017

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 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 front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 48,951 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 32.

ENGINE 15 47%
POWER TRAIN 9 28%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 19%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5 16%
STEERING 3 9%
AIR BAGS 2 6%
STRUCTURE 2 6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 6%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1 3%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 1 3%
SUSPENSION 1 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2017 at 5.

2012 2017 2024
2012 to 2024

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

crash · 6,400 miles

THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY AUDIBLE OR VISUAL WARNING THAT ANY OF THE DOORS OR HATCH BACK IS OPEN PRIOR TO DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP AT PRINCETON NEW JERSEY BMW, THE VEHICLE HAS TO REACH 5 MPH BEFORE THERE IS A WARNING. THIS IS TOO LATE. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE WHEN MY BMW X6 KEY ACCIDENTALLY OPENED THE HATCHBACK. THE KEY DESIGN IS VERY POOR AS ALL BUTTONS ARE FLUSH WITH THE HAND. IT WILL OPEN DOORS OR WINDOWS UNEXPECTEDLY DEPENDING ON HOW IT GOES IN MY POCKET. AS I DROVE OFF OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT UNAWARE OF THE HATCHBACK OPEN, I DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP WHICH RAISED THE VEHICLE AND HATCH BACK HIGH ENOUGH TO IMPACT AN OVERHEAD CONCRETE COLUMN CAUSING OVER

NHTSA complaint 10469994, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE

crash

CPSC#I1280311A. 2012 BMW X6. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY AUDIBLE OR VISUAL WARNINGS THAT ANY OF THE DOORS OR HATCH BACK IS OPEN PRIOR TO DRIVING. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE, WHEN HIS KEY ACCIDENTALLY OPENED THE HATCHBACK. THE KEY DESIGN WAS VERY POOR, BECAUSE AT ANY TIME, THE DOORS COULD OPEN BY THEMSELVES. AS HE DROVE OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE UNAWARE THE HATCHBACK WAS OPEN, HE DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP WHICH RAISED THE HATCHBACK ENOUGH TO IMPACT AN OVERHEAD CONCRETE COLUMN WHICH CAUSED OVER $1800 IN DAMAGE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE CONSUMER HAD TO REACH 5 MPH BEFORE A WARNING SIGNALED. *JB

NHTSA complaint 10476122. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 120,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X6. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLES CEASED TO FUNCTION AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW NORTHWEST (4011 20TH ST E, TACOMA, WA 98424, (253) 922-8700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TWO DAMAGED VANOS SOLENOIDS AND THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint 11232878. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

towed

MY CAR PULLS HARD AND SHUDDERS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT OR REVERSING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE SHOPS HAVE TOLD ME BUT THEY ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING WHAT ISSUE IS. MY BROTHER SAID IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE OR ALL WHEEL DRIVE NOT WORKING. SHAKES HARD AT EVERY TURN LIKE WHEEL IS DRAGGING. MY TURBO'S HAVE BEEN LEAKING SINCE THE DAY I GOT CAR AND BMW NEVER ADVISED ME AFTER I HAVE REPEATEDLY TOLD THEM MY CAR ISNT DRIVING AT MAX POTENTIAL. IM ALWAYS TOLD A LOT OF WHITE STEAM OR SMOKE COMING OUT OF EXHAUST IS NORMAL. HAVE HAD MY CAR AT BMW SERVICE MORE THAN IVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT. REPLACED CAR BATTERY MYSELF BECAUSE CAR KEPT SAYING LOW POWER MODE AND BMW SERVICE

NHTSA complaint 11234876, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

towed · 170,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front driveshaft universal joint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure

NHTSA complaint 11588636, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Took vehicle in to get checked. Had a hose replaced due to antifreeze leak. After picking vehicle up. Interior lights doesn’t work, signal lights doesn’t work, and or emergency brakes doesn’t work. My car was perfectly fine since I’ve had it. Never experienced this issue before.

NHTSA complaint 11521696. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

80,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fuel injector malfunction. The contact was then referred to the BMW dealer; however, the dealer informed him that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint 11516854. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle shifts into neutral while driving and then cuts off.

NHTSA complaint 11475095. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
High pressure Fuel pump went bad at 110k miles causing it to burn out modules luckily no fire started . Very dangerous car stopped randomly almost crashed .

NHTSA complaint 11432652. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles . Ive read multiple forums on same issue w other x6 this needs immediate attention someone could die .

NHTSA complaint 11431450. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the BMW X6

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 9 5 —
2020 9 10 —
2016 9 1 —
2015 9 1 —
2014 11 3 —
2013 25 5 —
2011 31 11 —
2010 15 9 —

Other 2012 BMW models

X5 271 328I 130 528I 89 535I 54 528XI 53 X3 42 550I 35 K 1600 GTL 33

Every BMW on this site — 249 vehicles, 484 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst