The 2012 BMW 5 Series has 289 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag n20 engine (528i) timing chain guide failure: frequency: very frequent. owners report this can cause catastrophic engine failure; 2012-2014 models are most affected, with 2013 specifically warned against.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 19 5 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1996) to 866 (2011). With 289 complaints, the 2012 5 Series sits abovethe model's median of 110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 16V746000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 …
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 14V627000BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2…
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 13V454000BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model…
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump
Campaign 24V608000BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi…
Owners are sharply divided on the 2011-2013 F10. Many praise its timeless, elegant design, comfortable ride, and hydraulic steering, often calling it a true successor to the E39. However, reliability is a major concern: the N20 four-cylinder engine in the 528i
Owner insights for the F10 5 Series. Read the full F10 owner report.
Used 5 Series listings typically run $15,199–$26,297 across 2011 to 2026 model years.
Compare every 5 Series year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.