repaired · 2026 Q3
Wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
2012 BMW 328iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 130 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 328i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-513 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW 328i has problems
130 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
55Engine1 crash/fire/injury
26Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
20Power train1 crash/fire/injury
16Engine and engine cooling
10Fuel/propulsion system
8Seats
6Vehicle speed control
5Seat belts
137 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 55 | 1 |
| Air bags | 26 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 1 |
| Power train | 20 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 16 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 0 |
| Seats | 8 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 13 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2012 BMW 328i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
91kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 36 engine complaints. 58% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles21under 100k miles15100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other 328i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 328i median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 BMW 328i safety ratings
2012 BMW 328 I C RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 BMW 328i, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of power assist brakingLed to recall 13V-454
In owners' words
What 328i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Engine oil pressure light came on and then the driver train malfunction light. Car at 113k miles and upon checking the timing chain was damage and now engine locked
INCIDENT SUMMARY: On January 9, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, while traveling at 50 MPH in North Carolina, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine seizure without any prior "Limp Mode" warning or Check Engine Light. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power in active…
While traveling at night on the toll road between Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. Power was lost completely, including power steering, while in motion on a major freeway, creating an immediate and severe risk of collision for us and surrounding…
Own a 2012 328i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.