AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2012 BMW 135I
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 19 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW 135I, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and fuel system categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 104 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 1 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 2 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 4 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 6 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 8 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 9 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 10 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 12 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 13 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 14 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 15 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 16 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 18 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 19 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine1030.3%
- Powertrain (other)618.2%
- Fuel system515.2%
- Airbags412.1%
- Electrical39.1%
- Driver assistance26.1%
- Interior & seats13.0%
- Brakes13.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically asked if the car had any mechanical or cosmetic damage and [XXX] lied and said nothing was wrong. After signing all documents she started pretending to look for the title. She promised i would get it in a week or so in the mail. The car had a ruined engine and radiator, missing front air intake ducts completely, who knows what else. They only paid 2700 bc it states stationary with mechanical damage from auction. I paid the $10,700 in cash they charged me. I'm sick to death just thinking about it. She will not repair, refund or anything like that. She finally today sent a pic of a title to the car and its got a man in Mobile, AL name on it. I don't think she ever even tried to get it and doubt she is now either. I have wasted more time and money on this, I feel robbed of over 10k. I have no car to start my new job the 24th. Please help me, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- NHTSA ID
- 11521626
- Incident
- Dec 24, 2022
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. SEVERAL TIME, WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WITH CROSSING TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED SHIFTING FROM AUTO TO MANUAL BUT THE CAR STILL FAILED TO ACCELERATE FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS AT WHICH TIME IT JOLTED FORWARD. THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND THE 50K MILE MARK 3 YEARS AGO AND CONTINUES STILL TODAY (~90K MILES). I AM NOT SEEING MY VEHICLE LISTED UNDER RECALLS RELATED TO LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER/STALLING FROM 2/7/2013 AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO MY CAR SINCE 2017. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH CRACKING SOUNDS FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. TO DATE, I HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILT INCLUDING; CONTROL ARM ASSY, SWAY BAR ASSY, BEARING, STRUTS, AND U-JOINTS. I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY DURING COLDER WEATHER DAYS. NOW I AM LEARNING THAT THERE IS A RECALL FROM 8/1/2020 RELATED TO MY CAR MODEL BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10179812 MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: B310112. SUMMARY CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: CRACKING NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW SPEEDS (E.G., PARKING LOT MANEUVERS) OR WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE STATIONARY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11402494
- Incident
- Aug 24, 2018
- Mileage
- 55,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE POWER STEERING CEASED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *LN *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 11329311
- Incident
- Jun 11, 2020
- Mileage
- 50,000 mi
WHEN I HAD FEWER THAN 50K MILES, MY THERMOSTAT BROKE SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES OR WARNING LIGHTS. SINCE THAT REPAIR, I HAVE HAD 2 COOLANT LEAKS, AND ONE RELATED PIPE CRACK. THIS WEEK, I HAD AIR IN MY COOLANT SYSTEM AND HAD TO HAVE IT DRAINED. THESE ALL APPEAR TO BE RELATED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11307058
- Incident
- Aug 14, 2019
- Mileage
- 50,000 mi
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN MORE THAN 1/8 THROTTLE IS APPLIED, VEHICLE HAS DIFFICULTY STARTING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN APPLYING SMALL THROTTLE INPUTS. THE 4 PREVIOUS YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS HAD A KNOWN PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT ADJUSTED THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THE FOUR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS UP TO 120K MILES. BMW MADE SLIGHT CHANGES TO THE ENGINE FOR THE NEXT MODEL YEARS, BUT LEFT THE EXACT SAME PART THAT RESULTED IN THE ORIGINAL LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT. THAT PART IS THE POINT THAT FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. SHOULD THE WARRANTY EXTENSION THEY AGREED TO IN THE SETTLEMENT APPLY TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS BMW MADE WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART? THIS PROBLEM CAUSED MY WIFE TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED OUT OF THE LANES OF TRAFFIC.
- NHTSA ID
- 11290149
- Incident
- Dec 2, 2019
- Mileage
- 65,000 mi
VEHICLE ALMOST STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. VEHICLE WILL ALSO SURGE FORWARD WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. BOTH ISSUES ARE WORSENED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS WARM OUTSIDE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE BMW DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO CORRECT, BUT THEY NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG.
- NHTSA ID
- 11222668
- Incident
- Jun 7, 2019
- Mileage
- 56,000 mi
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
- NHTSA ID
- 11191706
- Incident
- Aug 11, 2018
- Mileage
- 50,700 mi
I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT SO WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN FOR THE LEFT TURN I TURNED ONTO THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 6 LANE HIGHWAY AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A VIBRATION AND THE SUSPENSION LIGHT CAME ON SO I SLOWED DOWN AND MOVED TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE WHERE I NOTICED I HAD NO ACCELERATION. I LIMPED INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR SEEMED TO BE VIBRATING AND RUNNING ROUGH SO I SHUT IT DOWN AND WALKED HOME. AFTER TOWING IT TO BMW OF DAYTONA I GOT THE NEWS THAT I BLEW A CHARGE PIPE. THEY SAID THE CHARGE PIPE IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND GOT BRITTLE OVER TIME AND BLEW OFF THE THROTTLE BODY. I FOUND NUMEROUS REMARKS OF OTHERS THAT HAD THAT PROBLEM WHEN I GOOGLED IT. MANY OF THEM STATED THEY HAD IT REPLACED WITH AN ALUMINUM CHARGE PIPE SO I CALLED BMW BACK AND ASK THEM WHAT THEY WERE REPLACING IT WITH PLASTIC OR ALUMINUM. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE SAME PLASTIC PART I HAD ON THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. SO I SAID GREAT THEN WE CAN EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN. MANY COMMENTS ONLINE SUGGESTED THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. ONE CAN IMAGINE PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF A TRUCK AND SUDDENLY LOOSING ACCELERATION. THE REAL KICKER IS BMW REPLACING IT WITH A KNOWN FAULTY PART.
- NHTSA ID
- 11121857
- Incident
- Aug 17, 2018
- Mileage
- 44,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.