2012 BMW X6 M recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
What could happen: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notificat…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2012 X6 M.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V248000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2012 BMW X6 M owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (17), Transmission / drivetrain (9), Fuel system (7), Electrical system (5), Steering (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/14/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who dia…
05/12/2023 · Electrical system
Took vehicle in to get checked. Had a hose replaced due to antifreeze leak. After picking vehicle up. Interior lights doesn’t work, signal lights doesn’t work, and or emergency brakes doesn’t work. My car was perfectly fine since I’ve had it. Never experienced this issue before.
04/13/2023 · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fuel injector malfunction. The contact was then referred to the BMW dealer; however, the dealer informed him th…
07/21/2022 · Electrical system
Vehicle shifts into neutral while driving and then cuts off.
09/12/2021 · Fuel system
High pressure Fuel pump went bad at 110k miles causing it to burn out modules luckily no fire started . Very dangerous car stopped randomly almost crashed .
09/02/2021 · Engine
Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles . Ive read multiple forums on same issue w other x6 this needs immediate attention someone could die .
07/20/2021 · Engine
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X6. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that there was an unknown recall associated to the VIN. The dealer completed recall repairs. The contact stated on July 16, 2021 while her husband was driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were…
03/01/2021 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING OIL LEAKING FROM OIL COOLING UNIT ONTO SERPENTINE BELT CAUSING IT TO BREAK AND TWAINS INTO (INGESTED) THE ENGINE CAUSING TIMING CHAIN ISSUES.