2012 BMW 128I

31 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026Jacksonville, FLSeat belts

   My mother was in the passenger seat and the seat belt buckle would not allow the tongue to be inserted. After several attempts we got it in but when we got home I tried to engage the seat belt several times, I tried to lubricate the buckle no luck... I ordered a new buckle. The BMW dealer said there had been no other complaints and it was not under recall. As soon as I get the new part I will retain the buckle if needed.

   NHTSA complaint 11759010
2. Filed May 19, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026Pittsburgh, PAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   Prior to August 2024, this vehicle operated with zero check engine lights or drivetrain faults. In August 2024, BMW of Pittsburgh executed federally mandated Safety Recall 23V-707, which required opening the cylinder head. Immediately following this service, the Check Engine Light began illuminating persistently.On or about October 3, 2024, an independent diagnostic scan at Bobby Rahal BMW pulled BMW Factory Code 002A89: Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Mechanism Fault (Mechanical Sticking/Flow Restriction). Technicians at Bobby Rahal BMW explicitly instructed me to return the car to BMW of Pittsburgh because they suspected the original VANOS safety recall repair was botched.On October 28, 2024, I returned the vehicle to BMW of Pittsburgh to address this issue. Their technicians opened the engine block assembly a second time, yet failed to correct the defect. Following this second visit, the check engine light continued to come on intermittently. The vehicle began suffering rough idling, difficulty starting, and dangerous stalling events during operation. Cycling the ignition on and off provided only temporary relief.The check engine light has now become permanently illuminated. The safety hazards have severely escalated into a protective engine "limp mode," causing violent drivetrain shuddering and a catastrophic loss of driveability. BMW of Pittsburgh refuses to honor the recall workmanship, demanding a predatory $6,000 out-of-pocket teardown fee to bypass their liability. The manufacturer (BMW North America) has been notified under Case Reference VH78028, but the safety defect remains unaddressed, and the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive.

   NHTSA complaint 11738803
3. Filed Mar 24, 2026Failure Mar 5, 2026Belleville, ILEngine

   Due to BMW using plastic parts when you live in Hot and cold environments the plastic begins to mold to other plastic parts and pvc diaphragms tear rather easy causing rough idle , stalls and can cause over revving and send a car into another car while in gear. The cheap plastic cause oil leaks and when oil gets low cause engine failure as well.

   NHTSA complaint 11726596
4. Filed Mar 6, 2026Failure Feb 25, 2026Miami, FLEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   On February 25, 2026, BMW of South Miami performed the VANOS safety recall repair on my vehicle. The repair order documented that VANOS bolts were missing and retrieved from the engine oil pan and that VANOS components were serviced. Within approximately 24–48 hours of picking up the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began operating abnormally, including rough idle and irregular shifting. The vehicle stored diagnostic fault code P054B (camshaft position timing over-retarded), which directly relates to camshaft timing and the VANOS system involved in the recall repair. I returned the vehicle to the dealership for further diagnosis. The dealership stated an aftermarket camshaft position sensor with two O-rings was installed and removed one O-ring to correct the gap between the sensor and the camshaft reluctor wheel. The faults were cleared and the vehicle was returned to me. However, the check engine light returned again the following morning upon cold start, indicating the issue was not corrected. My service advisor has since stated that replacing the camshaft position sensor is not part of the recall repair and the dealership has declined to repair the vehicle under the recall. Because the malfunction appeared immediately after the VANOS safety recall repair and involves the camshaft timing system connected to VANOS operation, I believe the recall repair may not have been properly completed or corrected. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter as a potential recall effectiveness issue, as the safety recall repair appears unresolved and the vehicle continues to experience faults related to the system that was repaired.

   NHTSA complaint 11722577
5. Filed Jul 9, 2024Failure Jul 9, 2024North Tonawanda, NYEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

   NHTSA complaint 11600565
6. Filed Jun 16, 2022Failure May 31, 202279,769 milesBluffton, SCEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128i. The contact stated after completing an oil change at the dealer and starting the vehicle, the RPM started fluctuating. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the RPM fluctuated rapidly and the vehicle decelerated while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact was able to drive to the dealer at a slower speed. The dealer diagnosed that the VANOS (Variable Nockenwell Steuerung) system needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a manufacturing defect; however, she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since an unknown recall was converted to an extended warranty repair which had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 79,769.

   NHTSA complaint 11469556
7. Filed Jun 2, 2022Failure Apr 1, 2022Boynton Beach, FLEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

   NHTSA complaint 11467123
8. Filed May 2, 2018Failure Jan 1, 2015Oviedo, FLAir bags

   TAKATA RECALL

   NHTSA complaint 11091442
9. Filed Apr 30, 2018Failure Apr 29, 201817,000 milesPaia, HIIgnition

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11090993
10. Filed Nov 5, 2017Failure Oct 17, 201728,000 milesPortland, ORAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL -- AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG, I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BMW IN LATE SEPTEMBER THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART IS AVAILABLE AND THAT I SHOULD GET MY CAR IN. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH KUNI BMW ON OCTOBER 17, 2017 BUT THEY CALLED THAT MORNING AND SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS BUT WOULD CALL ME WHEN THEY DO TO RESCHEDULE. I FOLLOWED UP ON OCTOBER 30 AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THEY STILL CAN'T HELP ME BUT THAT I AM ON THEIR PRIORITY LIST WHEN THE PART COMES IN. SO -- IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT BMW HAS NOTIFIED ME THAT MY CAR NEEDS TO BE FIXED, MY LOCAL DEALER CAN'T DO THE JOB. IT'S BEEN A MONTH AND THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS AVAILABLE!

    NHTSA complaint 11043410
11. Filed Oct 24, 2017Failure Oct 2, 2017Ocean Ridge, FLAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL BRAMAN DEALERSHIP IN WEST PALM BEACH WILL NOT SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE AIRBAG RECALL PERFORMED.

    NHTSA complaint 11036033
12. Filed Oct 17, 2017Failure Dec 7, 201650,000 milesLongmeadow, MAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 BMW 128I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT'S FACE AND CHEST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11034045
13. Filed Sep 11, 2017Failure Aug 9, 2016Henderson, NVAir bags

    TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF HENDERSON (261 AUTO MALL DR, HENDERSON, NV 89014, PHONE NUMBER: (702) 570-0278) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    NHTSA complaint 11022730
14. Filed Sep 5, 2017Failure Mar 25, 2016Port ST Lucie, FLAir bags

    TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (COGGIN BMW OF TREASURE COAST IN FT. PIERCE (LOCATED AT 4429 US-1, FORT PIERCE, FL 34982; (772) 410-5155) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 10/26/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. *JS

    NHTSA complaint 11021508
15. Filed Aug 22, 2017Failure Feb 1, 2016LOS Angeles, CAAir bags

    RECALL DRIVER AIRBAG - CANNOT GET IT REPLACED BY A DEALER

    NHTSA complaint 11019016
16. Filed Aug 10, 2017Failure Jul 1, 2016Danvers, MAAir bags

    I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY TAKATA AIRBAGS TO BE REPAIRED.

    NHTSA complaint 11014266
17. Filed Jul 5, 2017Failure Jul 5, 2017RED Bank, NJAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL - RECALL HAS BEEN PENDING FOR APPROXIMATELY 1.5 YEARS AND TO DATE HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT HAVING REPLACEMENT PART INSTALLED...VEHICLE IS APPROACHING SIX YEARS OF AGE, WHICH IS LISTED AS THE START OF DETERIORATION IN THE AIRBAGS

    NHTSA complaint 11003112
18. Filed May 22, 2017Failure May 17, 2017Hollywood, FLAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW DATED MARCH 2016 NOTIFYING ME OF RECALL. LAST WEEK, I WAS AT MY BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND INQUIRED WHEN I COULD BRING MY VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND IT IS NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME WHEN THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE. I FIND IT INEXCUSABLE THAT I AM WAITING FOR OVER A YEAR TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION AND IN THE MEANTIME, BMW IS POTENTIALLY IGNORING THIS RECALL AND I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS ADMITTEDLY UNSAFE WHILE CLAIMING THAT THEY ARE CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY.

    NHTSA complaint 10991085
19. Filed May 10, 2017Failure Feb 5, 2016Kingwood, TXAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR AND THE PART HAS NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE

    NHTSA complaint 10984675
20. Filed Apr 26, 2017Failure Apr 26, 2017Medford, NJAir bags

    TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

    NHTSA complaint 10980832