2012 BMW 328I Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 BMW 328I.

20112013
Complaints
196
Crashes
5
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Fatalities
Recalls
6

Worst 2012 BMW 328I Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#154 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:80,404 mi
Crash-related:1
#226 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:57,978 mi
Crash-related:1
#323 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:81,216 mi
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 BMW 328I.

Engine Problems
54
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
80,404
Airbags
26
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
57,978
Electrical Faults
23
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
81,216
Transmission / Drivetrain
19
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
68,575
Engine & Cooling
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
119,232
Fuel System
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
64,725
Seat-Related Issues
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
23,457
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,925
Seat Belt Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
71,667
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Bulbs
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 BMW 328I. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 BMW 328I

6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,267,696 vehicles.

24V608000Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump
~720,796 affected

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.

24V513000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module · Air Bags:frontal
~394,029 affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

20V017000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~59,965 affected

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.

15V520000Exterior Lighting
~7,727 affected

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

14V627000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
~8,988 affected

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.

13V454000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
~76,191 affected

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.

Other BMW 328I Years

2012 BMW 328I — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 BMW 328I reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 BMW 328I has 196 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 54 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 BMW 328I?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (54 complaints, avg 80,404 mi); Airbags (26 complaints, avg 57,978 mi); Electrical Faults (23 complaints, avg 81,216 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 BMW 328I?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 74,555 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 BMW 328I?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 BMW 328I include 5 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 1 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 BMW 328I have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,267,696 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 BMW 328I?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full BMW 328I reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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