The 2012 BMW 3 Series has 5 recalls, the most serious being a faulty crankcase ventilation valve heater that can short electrically and start a fire while the car is running or shortly after it has been parked.
The steering system also has a concern: bolts holding the electric power steering motor to the steering gear can corrode and break, causing the steering to suddenly feel much heavier, particularly at low speeds. On the engine side, bolts in the variable valve timing unit can loosen or break and cause the engine to stall without warning. There is also a software-related lighting issue where front side marker lights may stop working, reducing the car's visibility to other drivers. The remaining recall covers front head restraints on certain vehicles that can drop further than allowed when set to the fully raised position, reducing neck protection in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum bolts securing the variable camshaft timing adjustment housing can loosen and break over time, potentially causing the unit to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four VANOS bolts at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing an electrical fault.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts connecting the electric power steering motor to the steering gear can corrode and break, which may result in loss of power steering assistance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the bolts and apply wax sealer. If bolts are broken or missing, the entire steering gear will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software update may prevent the front side marker lamps from turning on with the parking lamps or headlamps. The turn signal function still works. This makes the vehicle less visible to other drivers.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a software update to restore front side marker lamp operation with parking and headlamps.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat head restraints move down more than the allowed 25mm when in the highest position, which means they don't meet federal safety standards for head restraint performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will attach a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts to limit downward movement to the proper level.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
