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: fuel/propulsion system
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 7, 2026
2010 bmw 328i xdrive: Had in for recall PCV 1/08/2025. This vehicle has had a prior recall for same issue before i owned in 2014. Motorwerks BMW failed to complete recall, as parts and repair bulletin from BMW OF AMERICA has parts list. Motorwerks just CHOSE to put items, subtitled under other services/self pay. When I asked about this they responded that CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ....as build date put it a year out? A RECALL IS A RECALL ITS FOREVER, OR THE LIFE OF CAR. not when they the dealer/shop and BMW right? i have filed and called and complained to numerous places including NCDS, BMW of AMERICA and have gotten no traction or reasonable response. Now I'm having VANOS related issues, serious issues, but no recall listed?, even though the year and style and build date put it in parameters of SAFETY RECALL not just manufacture voluntary recall.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2022
The high pressure fuel pump failed. I still have the vehicle but it does work. It cannot be driven with a bad high pressure fuel pump. To repair it is over $2000.00.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2022
The car is experiencing rough idles and an imbalance in the overall performance. The PCV valve is not allowing enough air to return to the combustion chamber, creating a rough idle as the levels are imbalanced. It’s also causing a lean air to fuel mixture, oil leaks and increased fuel consumption. The PCV valve hoses became blocked by built-up moisture causing high pressure to be built up in the engine crankcase. The only way for this high pressure to escape is up through the cylinders and out of the gaskets, thus causing the gaskets to lose their seals. Oil is now able to leak out of the gaskets because the seal has been ruptured. I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on services including gasket changes.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2022
After running errands and car had been parked for an hour or so, I returned to my vehicle and it would crank but would not start. After trying to start a few times it finally started and I was able to make it home without having to call a tow truck (Or being abandoned in a mall parking lot in the middle of the night). My car drove fine the next day, after driving for about an hour I parked at my parents home during a visit that lasted an hour or so. When returning to my vehicle to leave the same thing happened as before. It would crank but would not start. It took a few tries to start and then it ran fine and I was able to make it home with no issue. It started okay the following day and I was able to drive to and from work (approx. 8 miles). After parking over night I went to start vehicle and it would not start at all. It would crank but would not start. I had the battery replaced thinking it was an old battery (2010 vehicle) this would still not work, the car was also not able to be jumped from the engine compartment, may have something to do with the battery lines or fuel pump?Previous recall? I did not own this vehicle prior to 2018 so I am not sure if this could be the issue? Or properly repaired previous recall? recently APRIL 2022 Recall-PCV Valve Heater.The recall information claims that it is only activated in "cold weather climates" and that it may not have been produced to specifications by the supplier. Over time this could lead to overheating in the engine compartment. In some cases, this could lead to fire! This recall's remedy is unavailable at this time which is extremely concerning. I am actually scared to attempt to continue to inspect, as this recall can cause a fire. If this was a recall regarding windows, or windshield wipers that would be a little easier to deal with, but fires! The recall info requested drivers and passengers to dial 911 and immediately move to a safe location away from traffic if you see smoke/funny smell no remedy availabl
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
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2018
OVER THE COURSE OF THREE DAYS, WHILE DRIVING MY 2010 BMW 328I ON A HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 65-70 MPH, THE MOTOR STALLED, SHUT OFF, DIED, LOST POWER CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE BY FORWARD MOMENTUM ALONE. VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD HAVE NO IDEA THAT MY CAR HAS NO POWER. AFTER SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT AS THOUGH NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I CALLED MY BMW DEALER AND AM BRINGING IT THERE TOMORROW. HE SAID THAT THE REPAIRS MAY BE COVERED AND THAT THEY WOULD KNOW BETTER AFTER LOOKING AT THE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH IT. THE CAR ONLY HAS DIED WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 9, 2017
MY CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, HE FOUND THAT THE HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL LINE TO THE GAS TANK HAD ROTTED COME DISCONNECTED, SO MY CAR WAS NOT GETTING FUEL. HE PUT A NEW HOSE AND CLAMP ON THE CAR. ONE WEEK LATER MY CAR WOULDN'T START; I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AGAIN. HE STATED IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE. THIS TIME I HAD TO HAVE A COMPLETELY NEW FUEL TANK, NEW LINES, CLAMPS, ECT. INSTALLED. THE FIRST REPAIR COSTS ME $500.00 AND THE NEW TANK COSTS ME ANOTHER $1400.00 I CALLED BMW AND THEY INDICATED THERE WAS A MEMO REGARDING SOMETHING SIMILAR, BUT NO RECALL. I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD PROVIDE SOME HELP TO ME SINCE IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND COST A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY. THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE IT WASN'T A STATED RECALL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 7, 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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE MOTOR SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RESTARTED AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,500.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 23, 2016
I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN IT JUST STALLED OUT AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AND BACK ON. I HAVE ONLY 66000 MILES ON THE CAR. REPAIR SHOP IS SAYING FUEL PUMP IS SEIZED UP AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH MAY BE RELATED TO THIS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALL. I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM BMW IN FEBRUARY OF 2013. WHEN I RUN THE VIN NUMBER NO RECALL COMES UP
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL LINES FRACTURED AND THAT THE FUEL LINES AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335XI. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND OIL PRESSURE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 2, 2015
EXCESSIVE SOOT AND CARBON BUILD UP IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND INTAKE VALVES OF THE 335D WHICH IS A DIESEL CAR. THIS CAUSES ROUGH IDLING, MISFIRES, AND LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. WHILE MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR MORE THAN 20K MILES AND CONTINUOUS TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE. FINALLY, THE DEALER AGREED IT WAS CARBON BUILD UP BUT THAT IT IS NOT COVERED. THE REPAIRS FOR THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY BMW AS IT IS EMISSIONS RELATED AND CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENGINE PROBLEMS. THIS HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE ON OTHER DIESEL CARS BY OTHER MANUFACTURERS. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE R & R BATTERY, THE COMPUTER REGISTRY BATTERY, AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,242. UPDATED 02/05/15*LJ UPDATED 6/10/2015 *JS
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 25, 2014
DUE TO PREMATURE BUILD UP OF EXCESSIVE SOOT AND CARBON IN THE EGR, INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND INTAKE VALVES OF DIESEL ENGINES, IT WAS CAUSE ENGINE VIBRATIONS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. WITHOUT COSTLY REPAIRS REQUIRING EGR CLEANING/REPLACING, INTAKE MANIFOLD CLEANING/REPLACING, AND CYLINDER HEAD CLEANING/ REPLACING, THE CAR WILL NOT PASS MANDATORY EMISSIONS TESTING. BMW NEEDS TO EXTEND THEIR WARRANTY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.