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2012 BMW 1 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 BMW 1 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 50owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 31%fail the UK MOT
The least complained-about BMW 1 Series year on file: 50 complaints, against an average of 51 for the other model years.
Every BMW 1 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 BMW 1 Series?
The components named most often in the 50 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 BMW 1 Series owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 50 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 BMW 1 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?11 owners · 22%
- Why does my 2012 BMW 1 Series idle rough, misfire or hesitate?6 owners · 12%
- Why does my 2012 BMW 1 Series accelerate unexpectedly or surge?4 owners · 8%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 BMW 1 Series?3 owners · 6%
Has the 2012 BMW 1 Series been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Crankcase (PCV) 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module 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 and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
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.
Electrical System: Wiring BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
Power Train: Driveline: Constant Velocity Joint BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Is the 2012 BMW 1 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAReplace the Driver’s Airbag – Takata PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may be fitted with a drivers airbag which may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin. It has the potential to fatally or seriously injure vehicle occupants.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the airbag replaced.
UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAReplace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
Risk: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Fix: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
UK DVSAPlug in contact cable may malfunction
Risk: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
UK DVSAPower steering may not perform correctly
Risk: The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
UK DVSAEngine emergency mode may be activated during driving
Risk: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
UK DVSAEngine may cut outYears estimated
Risk: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
UK DVSAEps may not perform as specified
Risk: Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.
Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation.In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may cause injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time.If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and…The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connector of the positive battery cable on the front power distribution box may be damaged over the lifetime of the vehicle by…The connector of the positive battery cable on the front power distribution box may be damaged over the lifetime of the vehicle by vibrations and currents. This may lead to failure of the engine and of the vehicle's electrical system, including headlights and occupant protection which will increase the risk of an accident and injuries to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connector of the positive battery cable on the front power distribution box may be damaged.This might result in a failure of the vehicle’s electrical system and engine during driving, potentially leading to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe universal joint of the drive shaft might break, causing a sudden loss of propulsion.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe control unit of the electronic power steering may have been incorrectly manufactured.This may cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, steering assistance might fail while driving.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 BMW 1 Series fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 BMW 1 Series owners report?
12 of the 50 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Prior to August 2024, this vehicle operated with zero check engine lights or drivetrain faults. In August 2024, BMW of Pittsburgh executed federally mandated Safety Recall 23V-707, which required opening the cylinder head. Immediately following this service, the Check Engine Light began illuminating persistently.On or about October 3, 2024, an independent diagnostic scan at Bobby Rahal BMW pulled BMW Factory Code 002A89: Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Mechanism Fault (Mechanical Sticking/Flow Restriction). Technicians at Bobby Rahal BMW explicitly instructed me to return the car to BMW of Pittsburgh…
Due to BMW using plastic parts when you live in Hot and cold environments the plastic begins to mold to other plastic parts and pvc diaphragms tear rather easy causing rough idle , stalls and can cause over revving and send a car into another car while in gear. The cheap plastic cause oil leaks and when oil gets low cause engine failure as well.
On February 25, 2026, BMW of South Miami performed the VANOS safety recall repair on my vehicle. The repair order documented that VANOS bolts were missing and retrieved from the engine oil pan and that VANOS components were serviced. Within approximately 24–48 hours of picking up the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began operating abnormally, including rough idle and irregular shifting. The vehicle stored diagnostic fault code P054B (camshaft position timing over-retarded), which directly relates to camshaft timing and the VANOS system involved in the recall repair…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. SEVERAL TIME, WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WITH CROSSING TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED SHIFTING FROM AUTO TO MANUAL BUT THE CAR STILL FAILED TO ACCELERATE FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS AT WHICH TIME IT JOLTED FORWARD. THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND THE 50K MILE MARK 3 YEARS AGO AND CONTINUES STILL TODAY (~90K MILES). I AM NOT SEEING MY VEHICLE LISTED UNDER RECALLS RELATED TO LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER/STALLING FROM 2/7/2013 AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO MY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE POWER STEERING CEASED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *LN *TR
VEHICLE EXHIBITS AN INTERMITTENT HESITATION (LIKE A STALL) WHERE THERE IS AN APPARENT TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AT LOW SPEEDS (COASTING) OR FROM STOPPED. ON SEVERAL INSTANCES THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN A LEFT TURN LANE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CREATES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE MORE FREQUENTLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS SURGES IN RMP WITHOUT THROTTLE INPUT WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN MANY INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD AND EXTRA BRAKING IS REQUIRED. THIS HAS RESULTED IN NEAR MISS, REAR END, ASSURED CLEAR DISTANCE ISSUES. THESE TWO PROBLEMS OCCUR DURING CITY/RESIDENTIAL DRIVING INCLUDING AT…
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS HAVING ERRORS. SHOWING A PASSENGER WHEN NONE IS PRESENT AND ALSO SHOWING NO PASSENGER WHEN THERE IS ONE IN THE SEAT. THIS IS A PRETTY MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.
REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.1ADDICTS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1263580 BMW 135I DCT TRANSMISSION OIL PAN/GASKET STARTED LEAKING DUE TO THE CONSTANT HOT TEMPERATURE FROM THE EXHAUST CAUSING PART TO DEFORM. LEAK WAS NOT DETECTABLE UNTIL TRANSMISSION FAILS, CAUSING CAR TO BE STRANDED.
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW USA DATED SEPTEMBER 2017 TELLING ME THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO SATISFY THIS RECALL AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT RIGHT AWAY TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND IT WAS CANCELLED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP "DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD GET THEM". BMW CANNOT TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE PART, DESPITE SENDING ME A LETTER STATING THAT THEY "HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL".
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 7 SPEED DCT TRANSMISSION. WHEN CAR HAD ALMOST COME TO A STOP THERE WAS SUDDEN BURST OF ENGINE SPEED (TO ABOUT 2500 RPM) CAUSING CAR TO SHOOT FORWARD. ACCIDENT AVOIDED BY JAMMING ON THE BRAKE. THIS THEN HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. DEALER RE-PROGRAMMED ECM AND PROBLEM HAS NOT GONE AWAY. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. MOST RECENT EPISODE IN MY OWN GARAGE WHERE BARELY AVOIDED DRIVING INTO FRONT WALL WHEN IT SURGED. DEALER AGAIN RE-SET SOFTWARE. CLEAR FROM DEALERS REACTION THAT THIS IS NOT ISOLATED INCIDENT AND CLEAR THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A REAL SOLUTION. THIS IS BASICALLY A VARIANT…
PULLING IN PARKING LOT TO PARK GOING AT A VERY LOW SPEED I HIT THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT HOLD INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND JUMPED ON TO A SIDEWALK AND THEN INTO A BRICK WALL. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN REVERSE AND IT TOOK OFF BACKWARDS FOR A FEW FEET UNTIL THE BRAKES FINALLY CAUGHT THE CAR THEN CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I HIT THE BRICK WALL WITH THE FRONT END OF MY CAR CAUSING LOTS OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE BUILDING THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. THE POLICEMAN THAT WORKED THE WRECK SAID THE TIRE MARKS WHERE THE CAR TOOK OFF WERE ACCELERATION MARKS NOT BRAKE MARKS, BUT…
2012 BMW 1 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 BMW 1 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 1 Series; the most common categories were air bags (27, 54%), engine (14, 28%), fuel/propulsion system (7, 14%). There are 7 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 1 Series?
Across 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (54% of complaints), engine (28% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14% of complaints), power train (12% of complaints), electrical system (8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 BMW 1 Series; the most recent (campaign 22V119000, 2022-03-02) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Crankcase (PCV). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 BMW 1 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
11 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 1 Series (22%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Due to BMW using plastic parts when you live in Hot and cold environments the plastic begins to mold to other plastic parts and pvc diaphragms tear rather easy causing rough idle , stalls and can cause over revving and send a car into another car while in…" (NHTSA complaint 11726596, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 BMW 1 Series idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
6 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 1 Series (12%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Due to BMW using plastic parts when you live in Hot and cold environments the plastic begins to mold to other plastic parts and pvc diaphragms tear rather easy causing rough idle , stalls and can cause over revving and send a car into another car while in…" (NHTSA complaint 11726596, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 BMW 1 Series accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
4 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 1 Series (8%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "Vehicle almost stalls when accelerating from a stop. vehicle will also surge forward when vehicle comes to a stop. both issues are worsened when the temperature is warm outside and the air conditioning is on." (NHTSA complaint 11222668, June 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 BMW 1 Series?
3 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 1 Series (6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Prior to August 2024, this vehicle operated with zero check engine lights or drivetrain faults. In August 2024, BMW of Pittsburgh executed federally mandated Safety Recall 23V-707, which required opening the cylinder head." (NHTSA complaint 11738803, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 1 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 128I and 135I.