BMW X5, X6 Recall R/2012/078: Potential Fire Risk, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 18 Jul 2012
- Launched
- 5
- vehicles in the UK
- 0032080200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled X5, X6 vehicles. The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. The recall notice describes the fix as: will be recalled to have the steering box replaced. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. This could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. Oil will then be sprayed onto hot engine components and may ignite.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POTENTIAL FIRE RISK Defect: The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. This could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. Oil will then be sprayed onto hot engine components and may ignite. Remedy: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the steering box replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: will be recalled to have the steering box replaced.
Are You Affected?
X5, X6 may be included. BMW estimates 5 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the campaign code 0032080200 or the DVSA reference R/2012/078. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| X5Replace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/406 | |
| X5Check Windscreen Bonding reworking if necessary | Book soon | R/2025/360 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2012/039 on 24 May 2012, for risk of fire. The one launched after it was R/2012/081 on 30 Jul 2012, for ePS may not perform as specified. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2012 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/078, launched 18 July 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.