Recall 12V019 affects 6 2012 BMW X5 SUVs because the transmission parking lock can fail. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 6 2012 X5 vehicles because the transmission parking lock does not always engage even when P is selected and displayed. If the parking brake is not set, the vehicle can roll away after the driver exits; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic transmission in the 2012 BMW X5 includes a parking lock, a mechanical pawl inside the transmission that holds the drivetrain when the selector is placed in "P." Normally, selecting "P" engages that lock and helps keep the SUV from moving while parked, separate from the service brakes.
On affected X5 SUVs, BMW traced the issue to a manufacturing error in the transmission. The parking lock can fail to engage even though the shifter position shows "P." That means the display tells the driver the SUV is in park, but the internal lock has not actually held the transmission.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner sees the normal "P" position displayed, so the visible shifter status does not confirm that the parking lock is engaged.
Who's affected?
| 2012 BMW X5 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the driver shifts into Park but skips the parking brake, the vehicle can roll away after the driver exits, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Use the parking brake every time you park, especially on a slope, and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Call BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 if you have not received the owner notice mailed on February 2, 2012.
- Ask a franchised BMW dealer about the free automatic-transmission replacement that fixes the parking-lock engagement problem.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V019 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
BMW's remedy is an automatic transmission replacement. At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the transmission so the parking lock can engage correctly when Park is selected and displayed. BMW's source remedy says the safety recall began on February 2, 2012, and that the replacement is free of charge. Because this section has no current remedy status listed, confirm appointment timing with a BMW dealer before driving in. The final dealer repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 12V019.
Timeline
| January 23, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V019?
Recall 12V019 covers 6 2012 BMW X5 vehicles with an automatic transmission parking lock defect. Even when P is selected and displayed, the parking lock can fail to engage. BMW dealers replace the automatic transmission free of charge.
What should I do if my 2012 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 12V019. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the automatic transmission replacement. Use the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers replace the automatic transmission free of charge, and BMW Customer Relations and Services is listed at 1-800-525-7417 for recall support.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V019?
The safety risk is vehicle rollaway after the driver exits. In recall 12V019, the transmission parking lock can fail to engage even when P is selected and displayed, raising the risk of a crash or injury if the parking brake is not used.
When did BMW start this recall?
BMW began the safety recall on February 2, 2012. If your 2012 BMW X5 is included and the repair has not been completed, a franchised BMW dealer replaces the automatic transmission free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V019000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V019 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V019000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →