2010 BMW 3 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (30% of complaints); the 2011 and 2012 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Found a broken bolt of the intake cylinder head, was broke without any reason. I not the only one, found this video. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7hizib96pq there are 3 more bolts inside the cylinder head that can cause serious damage on the engine if broken.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
“Takata recall - I think air bag and seat belt warning lights are on all the time. Bmw says there is no recall affecting this. Both stationary and moving.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2018
“In november 2017, bmw sent me letters regarding possible fire hazards due to defects of the blower motor wiring and the pcv valve heater (recall numbers 17v-676 and 17v-683). No recall has been issued and no repair offered to correct possible defects. I have experienced no problem related to these parts. However, due to the serious nature of these issues, bmw should be required to recall and repair affected cars promptly.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Bridgestone potenza tire tread separating from the tire - delimitation? Normal highway driving in arizona. Tire appears to have significant tread left and still holds air. See photo.”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2017
“Faulty fuel injectors. Known problem at bmw and mechanics. Bmw has offered an "limited warranty extension". Why wasn't it a full recall? My vehicle was not in an accident. I'm reporting it only as a concern.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2017
“Takata recall. The recall was issued in february 2016. It is now almost august 2017. 18 months for a safety recall is beyond reasonable to drive an unsafe vehicle.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2017
“Takata recall bmw promised to replace defective air bag in 2016 late summer. But now it is january, 2017. They still haven't provided parts to get it fixed in a timely manner. I contact bmw customer service. They are just giving bs. There are 17 similar customers like me waiting for parts. Bmw should not allow to sell any new cars in nc until we get the parts. Because all new car comes with new air bag. If they can sell new car, they should have air bag. So why not put the safety of existing customer in the highest priority? *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2017
“"tamara recall" - after calling my dealer to ask when my car will be taken care of I still have not been informed about when that will happen. I received my recall letter early last year. It seems to me as though someone is dragging their feet. Maybe your agency needs to light a fire under those involved in expediting this recall fulfillment.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“Passenger side rear turn signal ceased to function....updated 03/31/15 *bf the consumer discovered there was nothing wrong with the tail light. It was just a loose connection.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2015
“Driving from work on a snowing day, going about 25 to 35. The rear of the car started going to the other side of lane. I traded to get control but it was to late. I hit a guard rail and the air bags never came out. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
How other years compare
Check your exact 3 Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 BMW 3 Series. The most complained-about area is air bags (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 3 Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.