Recall 12V267 affects 2,642 2012-2013 BMW X5 and X6 SUVs for power steering fluid leaks. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW recall 12V267 covers 2,642 2012-2013 X5 and X6 vehicles because a machining error on the steering gear surface can let power steering fluid leak. That fluid can spray onto hot exhaust parts and raise the risk of an engine compartment fire; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The steering gear on the 2012-2013 BMW X5 and X6 is part of the power steering system. It turns your steering input into movement at the front wheels, while pressurized power steering fluid helps reduce the effort needed to turn the wheel.
On affected vehicles, the steering gear surface was machined incorrectly. That surface is supposed to seal well enough to keep the power steering fluid inside the gear. When the surface is wrong, fluid escapes from the unit and the system loses the hydraulic assist it depends on.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner can still notice fluid under the vehicle or heavier steering effort after the leak starts, but the filing does not identify a reliable advance warning before the steering gear leaks.
Who's affected?
Covers both the X6 and X5 across the 2012 and 2013 model years, with the same steering system listed for each.
| 2013 BMW X6 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW X5 | steering system |
| 2012 BMW X5 | steering system |
| Units affected | 2,642 |
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?
Leaking power steering fluid can spray onto hot exhaust parts and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon and avoid unnecessary driving until the steering gear has been checked or repaired. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 BMW X6 or X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 to confirm repair timing for recall number 12V267.
- Ask a franchised BMW dealer about the free steering-gear inspection and replacement that addresses the power-steering-fluid leak risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and give the dealer recall number 12V267 when scheduling.
- Park away from heat sources and watch for power-steering-fluid leaks until the BMW repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
BMW has identified the dealer remedy: a BMW technician inspects the steering gear and replaces it if the inspection shows it is needed. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Call the BMW service desk with campaign 12V267 and ask how to handle the steering gear inspection for affected 2012 and 2013 X5 and X6 vehicles.
Timeline
| June 13, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V267?
Recall 12V267 covers 2,642 2012-2013 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles with a steering gear machining error that can allow power steering fluid to leak onto hot exhaust parts, increasing engine-compartment fire risk. BMW dealers will inspect the steering gear and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 BMW X5 or X6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V267. If it is, call a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the steering gear inspection. Reference recall number 12V267 when you call. The dealer will replace the steering gear if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if needed, replace it free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V267?
The risk is an engine-compartment fire. BMW says a machining error on the steering gear surface can allow power steering fluid to leak. If that fluid sprays onto hot exhaust parts, it increases the risk of a fire.
What if I bought my BMW X5 or X6 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 12V267.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V267000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V267 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V267000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →