The 2012 BMW 7 Series has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 2,846 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12V1610002012-04-102,846 affected
Defect
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2012 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 7-SERIES, X5 SAV, AND X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Consequence
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
1
SEAT BELTS
1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1
WHEELS
1
Total complaints4
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Low engine oil comes on every few months and I have to add oil at that time. I don't know where the oil is going but level is down to minimum. This has been going on for the past two years, since I purchased the car.”
“On or about the above date, I tried to drive my new car in 2 inches of snow,up a moderate grade. Despite the traction control and having brand new tires, the vehicle was unable to move anyway but sideways. The vehicle was unfit for its purpose and use. Complaints to the dealer and manufacturer…”
“On or about the above date, I tried to drive my new car in 2 inches of snow,up a moderate grade. Despite the traction control and having brand new tires, the vehicle was unable to move anyway but sideways. The vehicle was unfit for its purpose and use. Complaints to the dealer and manufacturer…”
“On or about the above date, I tried to drive my new car in 2 inches of snow,up a moderate grade. Despite the traction control and having brand new tires, the vehicle was unable to move anyway but sideways. The vehicle was unfit for its purpose and use. Complaints to the dealer and manufacturer…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2012 BMW 7 Series as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.