NHTSA (USA)High Risk
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.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a crankcase ventilation valve heater that can overheat and start a fire while the car is being driven or shortly after it has been parked.
On the steering side, the bolts securing the electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear can corrode and snap, causing the power assist to drop out suddenly. The loss of assist is most noticeable at low speeds, where turning the wheel can require significantly more physical effort and raise the risk of losing control. Related to engine reliability, the bolts holding the VANOS variable valve timing unit in place can come loose or break, causing the engine to stall without warning while driving.
Two additional recalls cover equipment and compliance concerns. A software update can inadvertently disable the front side marker lights, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers from the side. On certain vehicles built in a narrow production window, the front head restraints in their fully raised position can drop more than the allowed amount in a crash, meaning the restraint may shift away from the back of the occupant's head at the moment it is needed most.
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.
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What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four VANOS bolts at no cost to you.
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.
