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MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2012 BMW 3 Series recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 BMW 3 Series, spanning 2 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups2distinct top-level categories
Latest recordOctober 20, 2023report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2012 BMW 3 Series recall campaigns

The 2012 BMW 3 Series report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 23V707000 dated October 20, 2023.
CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V707000

Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Report received
October 20, 2023
Potential units
157,796campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: June 19, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Report received
March 2, 2022
Potential units
917,106campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: July 22, 2022 · Filing manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 12V176000

Component
SEATS
Report received
April 20, 2012
Potential units
7,600campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: May 30, 2012 · Filing manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2012 BMW 3 Series?

The most frequent component groups in 2012 BMW 3 Series campaign records are Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Seats (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Seats1

03 / MODEL-YEAR CONTEXT

How the 2012 BMW 3 Series compares across model years

RecallRoad publishes 1 model-year reports for the BMW 3 Series, spanning 2012–2012; each year keeps its NHTSA campaign count separate.
Open the complete BMW 3 Series model history →