Problem Lookup › BMW › X6 › 2012
Car problem report
2012 BMW X6 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 BMW X6 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 34owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 23%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about BMW X6 year on file: 34 complaints, against an average of 7 for the other 14 model years.
Every BMW X6 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 BMW X6?
The components named most often in the 34 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 BMW X6 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 34 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2012 BMW X6 been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
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.
Is the 2012 BMW X6 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)
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 DVSAThe driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
Risk: The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
Fix: Replace the driver and front passenger airbags.
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 DVSAMovements of the connector of the blower regulator wiring harness could lead to frictional corrosion
Risk: The blower regulator wiring could be damaged increasing the risk of fire.
Fix: The connection of the blower-regulator will be checked and reworked and if necessary the blower regulator will be replaced.
UK DVSAAuxiliary water pump's electronic circuit board could lead to a short circuit
Risk: The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.
Fix: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe idler pulley bolt could become loosened over time
Risk: The power steering idler pulley may detach.
Fix: Replace the pulley securing bolt with an alternative component.
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 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 DVSADrive may fail
Risk: The power steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt may fail which will lead to the loss of power steering assistance and the necessity for the driver to supply additional input to steering the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt with a more robust version.
UK DVSAPotential fire riskYears estimated
Risk: The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. This could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. Oil will then be sprayed onto hot engine components and may ignite.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the steering box replaced.
UK DVSAFire may occurYears estimated
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.
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 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 driver or passenger airbag inflator may malfunction.In the event of an airbag activation this can lead to the release of fragments from the generator housing, increasing the risk of injury.
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 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 GateFriction corrosion on the connector from the wiring harness to the blower regulator may cause fluctuations in the electrical resistance,…Friction corrosion on the connector from the wiring harness to the blower regulator may cause fluctuations in the electrical resistance, which can lead to overheating and damage to the wiring harness insulation.That can result in a short circuit, leading to a vehicle fire, even if the vehicle is parked.
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 X6 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 X6 owners report?
12 of the 34 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.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front driveshaft universal joint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train) but the VIN was…
Took vehicle in to get checked. Had a hose replaced due to antifreeze leak. After picking vehicle up. Interior lights doesn’t work, signal lights doesn’t work, and or emergency brakes doesn’t work. My car was perfectly fine since I’ve had it. Never experienced this issue before.
Vehicle shifts into neutral while driving and then cuts off.
High pressure Fuel pump went bad at 110k miles causing it to burn out modules luckily no fire started . Very dangerous car stopped randomly almost crashed .
Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles . Ive read multiple forums on same issue w other x6 this needs immediate attention someone could die .
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that there was an unknown recall associated to the VIN. The dealer completed recall repairs. The contact stated on July 16, 2021 while her husband was driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been…
DRIVESHAFT WEAR, ENGINE TURBOCHARGER MALFUNCTION/CIRCUIT BOARD.
MY CAR PULLS HARD AND SHUDDERS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT OR REVERSING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE SHOPS HAVE TOLD ME BUT THEY ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING WHAT ISSUE IS. MY BROTHER SAID IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE OR ALL WHEEL DRIVE NOT WORKING. SHAKES HARD AT EVERY TURN LIKE WHEEL IS DRAGGING. MY TURBO'S HAVE BEEN LEAKING SINCE THE DAY I GOT CAR AND BMW NEVER ADVISED ME AFTER I HAVE REPEATEDLY TOLD THEM MY CAR ISNT DRIVING AT MAX POTENTIAL. IM ALWAYS TOLD A LOT OF WHITE STEAM OR SMOKE COMING OUT OF EXHAUST IS NORMAL. HAVE HAD MY CAR AT BMW SERVICE MORE THAN IVE BEEN ABLE…
CAR IS JUMPING FORWARD WHEN IM COMING TO A STOP AT LIGHTS. ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME ONE TIME. IT ALSO SHIVERS WHEN TURNING SLOW OR BACKING UP AND SLOWLY ACCELERATION. I CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING SO THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A BAD TIRE BUT REALIZED UPON RESEARCH IT COULD BE DRIVE TRAIN OR POWER STEERING. NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT GRILL AFTER ARRIVING HOME FROM WORK A WEEK AGO. LIFTED THE HOOD AND LOOKED AROUND. SAW FLUID BAKED ONTO A NOZZLE BUT COULDNT READ WHAT FLUID COMPARTMENT IT WAS.. JUST RESEARCHED ISSUES IM HAVING ONLINE AND SAW IT IS THE POWER STEERING NOZZLE, WHICH…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (PRINCETON BMW IN HAMILTON, NJ) AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A…
LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID. IF THE FLAMMABLE LIQUID SPRAYS ONTO HOT ENGINE EXHAUST PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE MAY OCCUR. ACCORDING TO NHTSA, THE LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID IS A RESULT OF A "MACHINING ERROR" IN THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE DURING THE PRODUCTION OF THE BMW X5 AND BMW X6 "ACTIVITY VEHICLES."
CPSC#I1280311A. 2012 BMW X6. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY AUDIBLE OR VISUAL WARNINGS THAT ANY OF THE DOORS OR HATCH BACK IS OPEN PRIOR TO DRIVING. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE, WHEN HIS KEY ACCIDENTALLY OPENED THE HATCHBACK. THE KEY DESIGN WAS VERY POOR, BECAUSE AT ANY TIME, THE DOORS COULD OPEN BY THEMSELVES. AS HE DROVE OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE UNAWARE THE HATCHBACK WAS OPEN, HE DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP WHICH RAISED THE HATCHBACK ENOUGH TO IMPACT AN OVERHEAD CONCRETE COLUMN WHICH CAUSED OVER $1800 IN DAMAGE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE CONSUMER HAD…
2012 BMW X6: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 BMW X6 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW X6; the most common categories were engine (17, 50%), power train (9, 26.5%), fuel/propulsion system (6, 17.6%). There is 1 safety recall. 2 complaints mention a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X6?
Across 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (50% of complaints), power train (26.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (17.6% of complaints), electrical system (14.7% of complaints), steering (8.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 BMW X6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 BMW X6; the most recent (campaign 18V248000, 2018-04-18) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/Supercharger. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 BMW X6 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 34 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW X6 (20.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles ." (NHTSA complaint 11431450, 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 is my 2012 BMW X6 burning or losing oil?
4 of the 34 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW X6 (11.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "While driving oil leaking from oil cooling unit onto serpentine belt causing it to break and twains into (ingested) the engine causing timing chain issues." (NHTSA complaint 11398563, March 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 X6 smell of burning or smoke?
4 of the 34 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 BMW X6 (11.8%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Vehicle has been smoking, burning oil and leaving a black residue on tail pipes and on paint around tailpipes since approximately 6 months old. bmw service advised oil usage was normal for vehicle and refused to investigate further." (NHTSA complaint 10691781, March 2015). 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 X6
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 X6 M, X6 XDRIVE35I and X6 XDRIVE50I.