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.
2012 BMW 335iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 335i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-017 the manufacturer reports only 77% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW 335i has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
3Seats1 crash/fire/injury
3Steering2 crash/fire/injury
2Electrical system
1Visibility
1Service brakes
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 15 | 2 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 BMW 335i 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 · 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.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
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.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other 335i 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 335i median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 BMW 335i safety ratings
2012 BMW 335 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
In owners' words
What 335i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The BMW was involved in a head on collision and only the passenger side and steering wheel airbags deployed. There was no passenger in the car and the drivers side airbag failed to deploy.
While driving with a passenger in front passenger seat, I occasionally receive a warning that there is a malfunction in passenger restraint system. At that time, the "pass airbag off" light goes on. I took the car to the dealer and was told it is likely a faulty passenger airbag seat occupancy…
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His…
Own a 2012 335i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.