Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
130Complaints
6Recalls
4Crashes
1Fires
1Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (42.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 4.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
55 · 42.3%
Recalled
Recall 24V608000
Air Bags
26 · 20%
Recalled
Recall 20V017000 · Recall 24V513000
Electrical System
23 · 17.7%
not available
—
Power Train
20 · 15.4%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling
16 · 12.3%
Recalled
Recall 24V608000
Fuel/propulsion System
10 · 7.7%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 130 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I hear a whining noise coming from the engine and sounds like the timing chain is getting ready to snap. this is a common problem…”NHTSA complaint 11460949 — filed 04/15/2022 · ENGINE
“Car stop completely on main st / took car to dealer and they said itâs the fuel pump ( defective ) / cost to replace…”NHTSA complaint 11447428 — filed 01/13/2022 · ENGINE
“On 23 Nov at approx 8:30 pm I was on I35N heading home in my 2012 BMW 328i. Out of nowhere I get a low…”NHTSA complaint 11442275 — filed 12/01/2021 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 328I?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 55 of 130 NHTSA complaints (42.3%), followed by air bags (26), electrical system (23), power train (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 BMW 328I have?
130 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 1 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 BMW 328I have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V017000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 BMW 328I's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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