2010 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 274 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 8 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engineOct 20, 2023
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.
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V707000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Mar 2, 2022
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.
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
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.
Campaign 22V119000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanAug 10, 2012
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.
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
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.
Campaign 12E029000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
116 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was notified of the issue and scheduled an appointment for vehicle inspection. During the repair, the contact was informed that four bolts in the engine had fractured and that the part could not be repaired due to potential engine damage that could lead to an engine fire. The contact stated that upon return of the vehicle, an abnormally loud whistling sound was coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the dealer the next day where it remained in dealer possession. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a burning odor and smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over safely and investigated the smoke, which evaporated quickly. The contact also stated that her husband checked under the hood and experienced the burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, an independent mechanic informed the contact that there was a recall for the PCV. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 96,800.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the engine. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2022
1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: My motor/engine gave out on me. No the vehicle is not available due to the fact that it was towed and too expensive for me to take out of the impound. My vehicle was then taken from me since I couldn’t pay to have it taken out ! 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: I was put at risk by being broken down on the side of the turnpike/highway in my state for over an hour without a cell phone to call for help. I had no choice but to accept a ride from a stranger, putting my life at jeopardy for a second time 3.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ANSWER: Im not familiar with the details of this question. But yes the dealer was made aware 4.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ANSWER: The car was brought to a bmw dealership where nothing was done to resolve the problem Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ANSWER: YES
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328XI. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was overheating and the gauge was notifying the contact of the engine temperature moving from high to extremely high. The contact also stated there was black smoke coming from the engine and tailpipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 114,900. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, May 24, 2022
- Engine timing bolts loosened and sheered off. - Car stalled while running. - Other Vehicles (BMW 328i 2010) have recalls on bolts, mine VIN was not selected for recall. - manufacturer checked and flagged previous recall from 2014. - Vehicle performance effected.
Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2022
Had my car checked at the dealer to confirm PCV heater issue (22V-119) after smelling burning plastic while driving in cold weather. I was told nothing was wrong and I need several different repairs totaling nearly $2000. Car overheated with a failed water pump days later. Dealer is outright refusing to provide any resolution outside of paying out of pocket for towing, repair, and rental.
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, a white color smoke would emit from the underneath the hood of the vehicle as a service warning light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that an abnormal burning plastic odor would emit from the engine compartment while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics where several different repairs were performed to the engine; however, after each repair, the failure persisted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cleaning) and had taken the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced. The dealer then notified her that parts to repair the recall were not yet available. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
The car overheating due to the pcv valve heater core. Causing severe damage to my engine. Good have put me in danger. BMW should have taken care of this a long time ago if there was a issue with it. Now my car is damaged and undrivable. I need a new engine. It could have caught fire.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact initially received a google alert on her smart phone for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was then notified about the recall and informed her that parts for the recall were not yet available. The contact then received a recall notice in the mail that stated that parts for the recall were unavailable. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact has stated that the vehicle was taken so that the parts could be replaced and then returned back to them.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an unknown failure. The mechanic informed the contact that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received a notification through a rideshare app that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Sep 21, 2020
NITROUS OXIDE SENSORS UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM AND CATALYTIC TANK ALL FAILED. NOTICES OF EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 10 YEARS BUT FAILED AFTER SO NO REIMBURSEMENT. SUSPECT MANY PEOPLE UNAWARE WHEN NON BMW SERVICE CENTER REPAIRED AND NON RECORDED. RECALL SHOULD BE INITIATED. HAVE RECORDS TO VERIFY BAD NOX SENSORS AND BEING TOLD NOW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS NEEDS REPLACING .
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2020
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC (BMW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2009 328I AND 328XI, 2009-2011 335D, 2008-2012 M3 COUPE AND M3 CONVERTIBLE, AND 2008-2011 M3 SEDAN VEHICLES. THE CONNECTION OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AT THE FUSE BOX TERMINAL MAY DEGRADE, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. CONSEQUENCE: A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR
Engine, Feb 19, 2020
OIL LEAVE VALVE COVER MILEAGE AT 50,000 MILES. VALVE COVER LEAKING OIL WHICH IS RUNNING DOWN ON MOTOR AND COULD START A FIRE
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 18, 2020
IT KEEPS BURNING OIL AND I'M GOING THROUGH COIL PACKS LIKE CRAZY AND IT ALSO STALLS OUT THE SMOKES LIKE CRAZY
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Dec 10, 2019
I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WENT TO BRAKE AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO 300 RPMS AND LURCHED FORWARD, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TRAFFIC WAS CRAWLING SO I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH BEFORE I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP.
Engine, Oct 23, 2019
OCCASIONAL RATTLE NOISE AT THE FRONT END OF THE RUNNING MOTION ENGINE FOLLOWED BY SURGE POWER AND ERROR CODE 2A87 AND 2A7A VANOS RELATED DTC. VEHICLE THEN BECOME ROUGH IDLED.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Jan 11, 2019, fire
CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND BURST INTO FLAMES 5 MINUTES AFTER PARKING IT. TOTALLY DESTROYED.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF SILVER SPRING (LOCATED AT 3211 AUTOMOBILE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, (888) 295-2096) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING, AND THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND WAS MIXING WITH THE OIL, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Engine, Nov 4, 2018
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Oct 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIELDS BMW SOUTH ORLANDO (LOCATED AT 9750 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837, (407) 956-6300) AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 9, 2018
IN NOVEMBER 2017, I RECEIVED 2 RECALL NOTICES FROM BWM (17V-683 AND 17V-676). AS OF LAST WEEK, THEY ARE STILL SAYING THAT NO REMEDY FOR THESE DEFECTS ARE AVAILABLE. AFTER ALMOST 1 COMPLETE YEAR, THAT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! THESE ARE SAFETY HAZARDS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED LONG AGO!
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW (150 E EL CAMINO REAL MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040, (650) 200-0149), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.