VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW 335xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW 335xi — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other 335xi years?

335xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted81 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 26 complaints2008: 81 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 13 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 0 complaints
335xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 335xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW 335xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2100%

Does the 2012 BMW 335xi have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED MY LETTER IN SEPTEMBER 2017 THAT BMW HAS THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG AND TO CALL IMMEDIATELY TO SCHEDULE THIS REPAIR. I CALLED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD TAKE 4-8 WEEKS TO GET THE PARTS AND THEN I COULD SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 11, 2017

2012 BMW 335xi — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW 335xi reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 BMW 335xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 BMW 335xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 335xi years should you avoid?

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

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.