Problem Lookup › BMW › 5 Series › 2012

Car problem report

2012 BMW 5 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2012 BMW 5 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.

  • 5safety recalls
  • 265owner complaints
  • 2crash reports
  • 6fire reports
  • 26%fail the UK MOT

The most complained-about BMW 5 Series year on file: 265 complaints, against an average of 67 for the other 12 model years.

Every BMW 5 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

What goes wrong with the 2012 BMW 5 Series?

The components named most often in the 265 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Engine101 (38.1%)
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System61 (23%)
  3. Power Train55 (20.8%)
  4. Electrical System31 (11.7%)
  5. Tires23 (8.7%)
  6. Air Bags16 (6%)
  7. Wheels14 (5.3%)
  8. Engine And Engine Cooling13 (4.9%)

What symptoms do 2012 BMW 5 Series owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 265 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2012 BMW 5 Series been recalled?

5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System: Pump BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit. NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · August 13, 2024 · Risk and fix

Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/Supercharger 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 Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat. NHTSA campaign 18V248000 · April 18, 2018 · Risk and fix

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 a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts. NHTSA campaign 16V746000 · October 17, 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum: Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454. NHTSA campaign 14V627000 · October 7, 2014 · Risk and fix

Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. NHTSA campaign 13V454000 · September 26, 2013 · Risk and fix

Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Is the 2012 BMW 5 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 DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs) Recall R/2025/349 · Dec 18, 2025 · built Oct 1997 to Nov 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5 Recall R/2024/403 · Oct 21, 2024 · built Oct 2003 to Nov 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAReplace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55 Recall R/2024/191 · May 1, 2024 · built Sep 2009 to Aug 2011 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Recall R/2023/016 · Jan 24, 2023 · built Feb 2012 to Sep 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident Recall R/2022/206 · Aug 1, 2022 · built Oct 2010 to Sep 2020 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAAuxiliary water pump's electronic circuit board could lead to a short circuit Recall R/2019/057 · Mar 1, 2019 · built Oct 2008 to Oct 2011 · Risk and fix

Risk: The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.

Fix: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak Recall R/2018/341 · Dec 7, 2018 · built Aug 2010 to Jun 2017 · Risk and fix

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

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFront airbags and seat belt tensioners may fail to deploy when needed Recall R/2016/265 · Nov 16, 2016 · built Dec 2011 to Jun 2012 · Risk and fix

Risk: It has been identified that the airbag/SRS central sensor has been programmed with faulty software. If the vehicle is involved in a frontal or rearward collision then the airbag and seat belt tensioners may not be triggered which could lead to an increased risk of injury to the occupants.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the airbag/SRS central sensor.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAEngine emergency mode may be activated during driving Recall R/2014/068 · Jul 28, 2014 · built Sep 2009 to Nov 2011 · Risk and fix

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

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAEngine may fail Recall R/2012/109 · Sep 26, 2012 · built Jul 2012 to Sep 2012 · Risk and fix

Risk: In individual cases the oil pump may no longer provide the required oil pressure. This may cause severe engine damage. Additionally the occurrence of critical driving situations cannot be ruled out because the oil pressure may drop suddenly while driving. The driver will usually notice a drop in the engine oil pressure due to the check control message ''Low oil Pressure''. It is also possible the engine block will be damaged and as a result engine oil may be lost.

Fix: The oil pump will be replaced with the correct version.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFire may occurYears estimated Recall R/2012/049 · Apr 27, 2012 · Risk and fix

Risk: Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.

Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Alert A12/02573/24 · reported by Germany · Sep 13, 2024 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateA seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded.In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. Alert A12/01981/24 · reported by Germany · Aug 2, 2024 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/01930/23 · reported by France · Sep 1, 2023 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/00783/23 · reported by Germany · Apr 14, 2023 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe universal joint of the drive shaft might break, causing a sudden loss of propulsion. Alert A12/0202/17 · reported by Germany · Feb 24, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe airbag central sensor has been programmed with faulty software.In the event of an accident requiring activation of the passive safety systems, the seat-belt tensioner, front airbags and active head restraints will not be activated, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. Alert A12/1571/16 · reported by Germany · Dec 2, 2016 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2012 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?

25.8% of 14,716 MOT tests in 2023 on BMW 5 Seriess first registered in 2012 were a fail8.6 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Lights and electrics39%
  2. Suspension35%
  3. Tyres27%
  4. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)13%
  5. Brakes12%
  6. Wheels5%

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 5 Series owners report?

12 of the 265 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.

car engine timing chain guides are faulty and there have been lawsuits that were settled and no recall on the actual part with drivers still having issues with the N20 engine now getting quotes for over 15,000. is this not an incident where it’s not the fault of a driver but manufacturing? This needs to become a recall for all N20 engine timing chain and guides as the faulty part is causing complete engine failure. seems very deceptive when a BMW only last 100,000 miles.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11765874 · Sep 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a stop and the Automatic START/STOP feature activated; however, the engine failed to restart. The message "Drive Train Malfunction Error" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the timing chain had fractured, causing unknown parts to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine…
Engine And Engine CoolingNHTSA complaint 11758059 · Aug 19, 2026
The vehicle suffered a sudden Drivetrain Malfunction and severe engine overheating while driving, resulting in a physically snapped camshaft and extensive iron shaving contamination in the oil pan (catastrophic engine failure).Ten months ago, an authorized dealership performed the official BMW Water Pump Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V608000). The vehicle has an active history of drivetrain malfunction fault codes dating back to January 2024. The failure of the recall remedy to safely maintain the cooling loop directly caused severe thermal stress and lubrication breakdown, leading to the…
Unknown Or Other, EngineNHTSA complaint 11748598 · Jul 6, 2026
BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) B110614, to address the concerns reported by multiple owners and noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID Number 11016414. A primary cause of the issue is accelerated timing chain wear. The N63 engine's design features timing…
Power Train, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11696232 · Oct 28, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while checking the Carfax history report of the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 138,000; however, the Carfax history report showed that the mileage was approximately 224,000.
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11678469 · Aug 5, 2025
I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the automotive shop if needed.
Power Train, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11655338 · Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that upon driving off the parking lot at the dealer and coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Service to Nearest BMW Dealer as Convenient" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle was significantly sluggish and failed to respond upon depressing the…
Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11654514 · Apr 14, 2025
The car was parked overnight. In the morning around dusk , it spontaneously caught fire.
Electrical SystemFireNHTSA complaint 11649879 · Mar 22, 2025
UNKNOWN passenger restraint system malfunction message started coming.
Air BagsNHTSA complaint 11637534 · Jan 21, 2025
I was driving when the vehicle engine randomly shut down with out warning I was on the freeway at the time and could have been hit by a car. I took thr car to an auto repair shop, had the problem inspected snddiagnosed and was told the engine was faulty. I had the engine replaced and the same issue occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the problem occurring. The drivetrain malfunction light came on as soon as the engine cut off.
Vehicle Speed Control, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11542232 · Sep 2, 2023
THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE INNER SIDEWALLS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OR WARNING OF ANY ISSUES, LOW PRESSURE, NO CONTROL PANEL WARNING, PULLING ETC. I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED NORMALLY, THE CAR DRIVING NORMAL. THEN SUDDENLY, I HEARD A LOUD PULSATING VIBRATION SOUND AS IF THE TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. I PULLED OVER TO FIND THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY ALL THE WAY AROUND THE INNER PART OF THE TIRE!!!
Tires, WheelsNHTSA complaint 11277715 · Nov 2, 2019
BMW TEARS UP TIRES CAUSING THEM TO SHREAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. AFTER TWO ALIGNMENTS IN A YEAR. NO FRONT END DAMAGE PER BMW.
Steering, Suspension, WheelsNHTSA complaint 11255453 · Sep 13, 2019

2012 BMW 5 Series: questions owners ask

Is the 2012 BMW 5 Series reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 265 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 5 Series; the most common categories were engine (101, 38.1%), fuel/propulsion system (61, 23%), power train (55, 20.8%). There are 5 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 6 mention a fire, 4 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 5 Series?

Across 265 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (38.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (23% of complaints), power train (20.8% of complaints), electrical system (11.7% of complaints), tires (8.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2012 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 BMW 5 Series; the most recent (campaign 24V608000, 2024-08-13) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System: Pump. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why does my 2012 BMW 5 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

66 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (24.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "With no prior warning or issues my car displayed a drive train error followed by a low pressure error and immediately lost power. The timing chain blew and destroyed the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11476197, July 2022). 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.

What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 BMW 5 Series engine?

38 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (14.3%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "car engine timing chain guides are faulty and there have been lawsuits that were settled and no recall on the actual part with drivers still having issues with the N20 engine now getting quotes for over 15,000." (NHTSA complaint 11765874, September 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.

Has the 2012 BMW 5 Series had engine failures?

32 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (12.1%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "car engine timing chain guides are faulty and there have been lawsuits that were settled and no recall on the actual part with drivers still having issues with the N20 engine now getting quotes for over 15,000." (NHTSA complaint 11765874, September 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 won't my 2012 BMW 5 Series start?

11 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (4.2%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Car just wouldn't start one day. Drivetrain malfunction warning indicating timing chain replacement. Car just sits in my driveway. Will cost 6 grand to fix. Timing Chain failure probably effected my engine." (NHTSA complaint 11482792, September 2022). 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 my 2012 BMW 5 Series burning or losing oil?

11 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (4.2%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit." (NHTSA complaint 11440813, November 2021). 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 5 Series idle rough, misfire or hesitate?

10 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (3.8%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "When you first turn the car on it sounds very loud for about 5 minutes (louder than normal). when driving down the road the car will start shaking and the car computer pops up saying drivetrain malfunction and you have to pull over to restart." (NHTSA complaint 11321577, April 2020). 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 5 Series?

9 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (3.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "While driving car stalled, dropped speed and engine warning light came on. Fuel pump was needed. Had to have car towed obtained a rental for 11 days. Fuel pump out of stock." (NHTSA complaint 11432548, September 2021). 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 do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 BMW 5 Series?

8 of the 265 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW 5 Series (3%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Headlights fill with condensation and cause short circuit and headlight and turn signal malfunction. Headlights fill with condensation and moisture even on sunny summer days. No warnings prior to headlights and turn signals malfunctioning." (NHTSA complaint 11615781, September 2024). 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 5 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 528I, 528XI, 535I, 535I GT, 535I XDRIVE, 535I XDRIVE GT, 535XI, 550I, 550I GT, 550I XDRIVE and 550I XDRIVE GT.

Check another car