Recalls (3)
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2012 BMW 3 Series. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Camshaft Timing Bolts May Loosen Causing Stall
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Consequence
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
PCV Heater May Short Circuit
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Consequence
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- Remedy
- This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
HEAD RESTRAINTS/FMVSS 202A/PETITION
- Summary
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."
- Consequence
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (7)
7 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 42.9% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 28.6% |
| Air bags | 1 | 14.3% |
| Seats | 1 | 14.3% |
| Steering | 1 | 14.3% |
| Structure | 1 | 14.3% |
| Unknown or other | 1 | 14.3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 14.3% |
How 2012 compares with other 3 Series years
Best and worst 3 Series years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 77 | 0 |
| 2005 | 25 | 0 |
| 2006 | 202 | 3 |
| 2007 | 115 | 1 |
| 2008 | 68 | 2 |
| 2009 | 53 | 1 |
| 2010 | 30 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 | 2 |
| 2012 | 7 | 3 |
| 2013 | 21 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,750
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 404 g/mi
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 7-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 7-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 3 Series for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2012 BMW 3 Series FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns: 23V707000 (engine), 22V119000 (engine), 12V176000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 BMW 3 Series problems?
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (3), Fuel/propulsion system (2), Air bags (1) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA rates the 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 19 city, 26 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2012 3 Series compare with other years?
Among the 2004–2013 BMW 3 Series model years at least five years old, the 2011 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2006 the most (202). The 2012 drew 7. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.