2012 BMW X6 recalls & problems

7 recalls 32 complaints

7recalls
32owner complaints
2crashes reported
0fires reported
0 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2012 BMW X6 and 32 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is engine (15 reports), followed by power train (9). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2012 BMW X6 recalls

Air Bags · NHTSA 20V016000 · Jan 15, 2020

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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…

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

Fix: 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.

4,007 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020

Problem: 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…

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

Fix: 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.

59,965 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 19V017000 · Jan 14, 2019

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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…

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

Fix: 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.

83,016 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 18V248000 · Apr 18, 2018

Problem: 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…

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

Fix: 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…

47,806 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 18V030000 · Jan 9, 2018

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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),…

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

Fix: 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.

41,808 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Power Train · NHTSA 17V138000 · Mar 2, 2017

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

121,909 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 17V020000 · Jan 10, 2017

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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."…

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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…

48,951 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2012 BMW X6 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine 15
000
Power Train 9
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 6
000
Electrical System 5
100
Steering 3
000
Air Bags 2
000
Structure 2
200
Unknown or Other 2
000
Exterior Lighting 1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline 1
000
Suspension 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Power Train · May 14, 2024 · 170,000 miles · OH

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…

Exterior Lighting · May 12, 2023 · OH

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.

Electrical System · May 12, 2023 · OH

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 13, 2023 · 80,000 miles · FL

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…

Electrical System · Jul 21, 2022 · IN

Vehicle shifts into neutral while driving and then cuts off.

Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 12, 2021 · NY

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 .

Engine · Sep 2, 2021 · NY

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 .

Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2, 2021 · NY

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 .

Engine · Jul 20, 2021 · 74,900 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that there was an unknown recall associated to the VIN. The dealer completed recall repairs. The contact stated on July 16, 2021 while her husband was driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The…

Engine · Mar 1, 2021 · 103,000 miles · IL

While driving oil leaking from oil cooling unit onto serpentine belt causing it to break and twains into (ingested) the engine causing timing chain issues.

Engine · Jan 14, 2021 · 90,000 miles · CA

Driveshaft wear, engine turbocharger malfunction/circuit board.

Power Train · Jan 14, 2021 · 90,000 miles · CA

Driveshaft wear, engine turbocharger malfunction/circuit board.

Other BMW X6 years

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 BMW X6 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls covering the 2012 BMW X6, the most recent one (20V016000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X6?

Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are engine (15), power train (9), fuel/propulsion system (6).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2012 BMW X6?

Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.