VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW 335i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 BMW 335i sits mid-pack among 335i years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 45, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 47% of all reports (14 of 30), far ahead of engine at 4. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

30

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other 335i years?

335i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted388 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 388 complaints2008: 276 complaints2009: 127 complaints2010: 58 complaints2011: 136 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 69 complaints2014: 31 complaints2015: 16 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 0 complaints
335i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 335i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW 335i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1447%
Engine413%
Other310%
Seats310%
Steering27%
Electrical System27%
Brakes13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2012 BMW 335i have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V520000LightingAugust 17, 2015 · 7,727 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

14V176000EngineApril 10, 2014 · 156,137 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Consequence

If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 17, 2023 · crash

ON SATURDAY 8/8/15, I WAS PARKING MY BMW 335I CAR TO GET GROCERIES, AND WHILE ENTERING THE PARKING SPOT, THE ENGINE BEGAN RACING OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE SHIFT CONTROL WAS LOCKED IN DRIVE AND WOULD NOT MOVE. LASTLY I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 8, 2015 · crash

DOOR LOCK ON DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT RELEASE. THE LOCKING PIN GOES UP AND DOWN, BUT THE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT RELEASE AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO UNLESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON IS PRESSED. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE DRIVER CANNOT GET OUT BY SIMPLY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 20, 2017

The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · September 17, 2023 · crash

WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS ROLLING UP AND DOWN THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW. IT WASN'T TOO LONG, THEN FRONT WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED. THE AREA OF CONCERN IS FOR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN REGARDS TO RAIN COMING IN CAR AND ATTACKERS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 31, 2012

2012 BMW 335i — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW 335i reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 335i year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2012 335i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), engine (4 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2012 BMW 335i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 BMW 335i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 335i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 335i years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 335i years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2012 BMW 335i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 BMW 335i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.