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2012 BMW X6

7 recalls Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #18V248000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The electric auxiliary water pump in your vehicle is a small part that helps keep your engine cool. In some 2011-2012 BMW models, this pump can fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the circuit board overheats, it could increase the risk of a fire, which could cause serious damage to your vehicle or even lead to a fire that could harm you or others.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty water pump with a new one, completely free of charge. You'll be notified when the repair can be done, and you should schedule it as soon as possible. In the meantime, it's a good idea to park your vehicle outside to reduce the risk of a fire.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #17V138000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driveshaft in your vehicle is like a long rod that connects the engine to the wheels. In your X5 or X6, water and debris can get inside the driveshaft's universal joint, causing it to wear out quickly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the universal joint fails, your front wheels might stop being driven, making it harder to steer and control your vehicle. If you keep driving with a broken joint, you could damage other parts, and that could increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the front driveshaft with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible after you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V016000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a crucial safety feature that inflates to protect you in a crash. In certain models, the airbag inflator may be faulty and prone to exploding, causing sharp metal fragments to fly towards you.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, you could be seriously hurt or even killed by sharp metal fragments striking you or your passengers.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safe one, at no cost to you. Please don't drive your vehicle until the repair is done, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant 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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V017000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag in your driver's seat is designed to inflate in a crash to protect you. However, in some of your BMW models, the inflator could rupture and explode, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you could be seriously injured or even killed by the sharp metal fragments. This is a life-threatening situation.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator for free. They'll make sure it's done correctly, and you won't pay a thing for the repair. Schedule an appointment as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V017000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to cushion your body. It has an inflator module that's like a tiny balloon that rapidly fills with gas to deploy the airbag.
Risk if Unfixed
If this inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the entire passenger side airbag module with a safe, new one – and it's completely free. Please don't drive your vehicle until this repair is done, and schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #18V030000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger air bag in your vehicle is a safety feature that deploys in a crash to protect you. It has a small inflator that helps it deploy quickly. However, this inflator might not work properly in certain conditions, like high humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator explodes in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments hurtling towards you and other occupants, causing serious injury or even death. This is a life-threatening risk that you should take seriously.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag module with a new one, completely free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until the repair is done – schedule an appointment as soon as possible, and your dealer will take care of the rest.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V020000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that helps deploy the passenger airbag in a crash. Unfortunately, in certain models and regions, these inflators can degrade over time and rupture during a crash.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator fails, it could explode and send sharp metal fragments into your vehicle, causing serious injury or even death to you or your passenger.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator or entire module with a new, safe one – absolutely free. Until then, please don't drive your vehicle, and wait for a second notice when the repair parts become available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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