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: other or unspecified
16 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 4, 2024
My vehicles check engine light came on, and the car started to misfire and idle hard when driving. Jack Furrier Tire and Auto ran the code, and it came back with peoblems with the cam shaft. I brought it to BMW, and VANOS bolt (recall) code was confirmed, but they told me it was a problem with internal piece missing from the oil filter. I asked if the car was safe to drive, and they confirmed and also told me the car is having other mechanical issues I should be aware of. The service agent described possible future problems with transmission and told me that there was no remedy available for recall yet, so I need to wait. I paid to have oil filter replaced. A week later, I was driving myself to work and my daughter to daycare when the car began to stall out and misfire in traffic. After bringing it back to the dealership, they replaced 1 spark plug free of charge and advised me that the car was coming back with other codes. I addressed the safety risk and the continued mechanical breakdown of the car systems if I continued driving it, and I was encouraged to trade the vehicle somewhere. I will attach an email I sent detailing further frustration I have experienced with BMW. After speaking with customer relations, I received the same reply, which is yes, there is a safety risk it is minimal and unfortuanly, there is no remedy available yet. The following was my reply when asked to complete customer survey: I am getting no help with a car that has a recall on it and being told the exact thing at every level I have presented my legtimate concerns. With no viable or reasonable options. I basically have to continue driving my car and risk car further breaking down and put my family's safety at risk with hope that "it's low probabilty". Somehow, these are my only options on a vehicle with a recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2023, fire
I believe it was an electrical problem, my car caught fire in the trunk on the passenger side above the battery and behind the trunk lining. My safety was out at risk because I started the car a next thing you know I started smelling smoke, I looked back and my car was on fire from the trunk. I popped the trunk open and it was nothing but smoke an fire. Lucky there was a fire extinguisher Around, so I was able to detain the fire for the most part. But there has already been excessive damage inside the trunk. I just found out there was a recall for this car in March of 2022, but we had got this car in August of 2022. An we have never received anything in the mail stating it had a recall. There was no warning lamps or anything.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 14, 2022, fire
2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won’t be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the apartment complex managers asking them not to do it. I’ve been trying to contact the BMW dealer and ask them what my next step is and getting it fixed as there is an active Recall on it because of the PCV valve not being up to specifications and could cause a short and “an extremely rare cases can you catch fire. Which unfortunately happen to be my luck. The car is still in Lacey Washington and I don’t know whether to get it towed to the dealer in Tacoma Washington being that the guy on the phone was a complete a******* and told me to not get it towed there that they’re just going to get it towed out of there. At this point I do not know what to do but I need help in expressing the amount of Beyond safe and liability on this recall through BMW to
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Nov 25, 2022
Around 3:30 pm driving south on I 25, 10 miles north of Trinidad, CO, the panorama sunroof blew out with a loud bang. I pulled over had a quick look, drove to Trinidad and vacuumed up the broken glass from inside the car and broke out small remaining pieces. I was driving around 77 mph the inside sun roof cover was open and the air vents were off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2022
Have been made aware recently a recall has been required on my vehicle although no remedy is available yet. PCV Crankcase Valve is defective which can cause several issues with vehicle...after learning this my car was having issues cranking and not starting, thinking it was the battery I had it replaced and still to no avail..replaced fuel pump thinking it may be a fuel issue and now no power..battery chargers get extremely hot when trying to charge car...B+ Battery Cable has been recalled in the past although I did not own this vehicle when BMW was mad aware in 2011, and my vehicle is a 2010! So many recalls, defective components with fuel related issues and electrical problems that can leave owners stranded. I have been lucky my car is at my home, although I now have to rely on others for transportation now....
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, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2020
I STARTED OVERHEATING AND LOOSING ALOT A POWER
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
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2019
I OWN 2 BMW 335D'S, ONE A 2010 AND THE OTHER A 2011. I CANNOT KEEP THESE CARS ON THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHTS CONSTANTLY. EVERY CODE LEADS BACK TO THE EMMISSIONS SYSTEM ON THESE DIESELS. THE LATEST IS AN SCR CODE THAT IS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR. BMW CAME OUT WITH A 10 YEAR 120K MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD HAVE COME OUT WITH A RECALL! I HAVE HAD SO MANY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP THESE CARS ON THE ROAD. THESE CARS ARE WORSE THAN THE VW DIESELS. THE CARS RUNS GREAT, YET BECAUSE OF THE SERVICE LIGHTS THE RPAIRS ARE MORE COSTLY THAN THE CARS ARE WORTH. I ASKED THE MURRIETA BMW TO ASK BMWNA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPAIR THE SCR ACTIVE TANK AND WAS DECLINED. I RUN THE 2010 BMW MANY MILES ON THE FREEWAYS SO THE SCR ACTIVE TANK PROBLEM DIDN'T SHOW UP UNTIL 186K MILES. MY 2011 BMW WHICH ISN'T DRIVEN ON FREEWAYS IS MUCH HAD TO HAVE THAT TANK REPLACED AT 117K MILES. WHEN TALKING WITH THE MURRIETA BMW SERVICE MANAGER, HE AGREED WHEN I TOLD HIM THESE CARS ARE CRAP. WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THE CARS THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES. THE BLOGS ON THE COMPUTER ARE LOADED WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EMISSION AND DEF SYSTEMS ON THESE DIESELS. HELP, I TRUELY HAVE TWO CARS RIGHT NOW THAT ARE WORTHLESS! THE SERVICE MANAGERS ADVICE WAS TO TURN THEM IN TO A DEALERSHIP AND GET NEW(ER) CARS... REALLY, PASS THE PROBLEM ONTO SOME OTHER UNSUSPECTING PERSON WHEN BMW KNOWS THESE CARS ARE MORE THAN A PROBLEM - UNBELIEVABLE!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 3, 2018
THERE'S BEEN A RECALL ON THE PARTS THAT CONTROL THE FLOW OR SPEED OF THE AC UNIT IN THE CAR, ALSO THE AIRFLOW. THERE'S SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS ON THIS CAR. A NOTICE WAS ORIGINALLY SENT OUT TO ME IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. IT'S NOW AUGUST OF 2018 AND ANOTHER NOTICE HAS NOT BEEN SENT OUT. I'VE REACHED OUT TO BMW ON THIS ISSUE WAS SIMPLY TOLD THAT IF SMOKE OR A FIRE STARTS IN MY CAR, TO PULL OVER AND DIAL 911. THE FACT I CAN'T USE MY AC IN ARIZONA IS OUT OF CONTROL, IT'S EXTREMELY HOT HERE. EARLIER IN THE YEAR IT WAS OKAY SINCE IT WAS COOLER BUT NOW TEMPS ARE REACHING OVER 110 DEGREES. I DID FIND THE PART BUT ALSO ASKED FOR A REIMBURSEMENT IF I WERE TO PURCHASE IT AND WAS TOLD I'D STILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SECOND LETTER. WHY SHOULD I NEED TO WAIT FOR A SECOND LETTER FOR SOMETHING THERE'S A RECALL ON? ESPECIALLY SOMETHING THAT CAN PUT MYSELF OR CHILD IN DAMAGE OR OTHER PEOPLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2018
THIS CAR HAS HAD 2 OPEN RECALLS SINCE OCTOBER 2017: NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 17V676 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 17V683. BOTH OF THESE RECALLS INVOLVE THE POSSIBILITY OF SHORT-CIRCUITING WIRES, MELTING AND POSSIBILITY OF FIRE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT BMW HASN'T COME UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR THESE ISSUES IN 6 MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2018
TRIED TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT TIRES FROM MY LOCAL COSTCO. FRONT AND REAR ARE DIFFERENT SIZES. SELECTED BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES FOR REAR. FIRST SET SENT HAD EXPIRED DOT DATES. SECOND SET SENT HAD EXPIRED DOT DATES. BRIDGESTONE IS CLEARLY TRYING TO PASS-OFF EXPIRED TIRES TO CONSUMERS. FORTUNATELY, MY DEALER CAUGHT THE PROBLEM. BRIDGESTONE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION OR PROVIDE SAFE TIRES.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2017
YOU'VE MANDATED A RECALL FOR THESE PARTS HOWEVER THE DEALERS ARE REFUSING TO FIX THEM BY GIVING THE CUSTOMER THE RUN-AROUND STATING THE PARTS ARE NOT IN STOCK AND THAT THEY CANNOT GET THE PART FOR MONTHS. ON THE CONTRARY, THE PARENT COMPANY BMW USA TELLS ME DIRECTLY THAT THE PARTS ARE FULLY AVAILABLE AND SHOULD ONLY TAKE 1-2 WEEKS TO ARRIVE WHEN NOT IN STOCK. PEOPLE WILL DIE BECAUSE THE DEALERS ARE NOT TAKING ON THE RESPONSIBILITY MANDATED BY THE RECALL. I HAVE ALL BMW DEALERS WITHIN 100 MILES OF MY RESIDENCE AND THEY ARE REPORTING THE SAME BRUSH OFF.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2016, crash
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR, SLOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHERE MY VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT BOTH FRONT PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SUFFERED PARTIAL HEARING LOSS AS A RESULT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AT THE TIME.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 29, 2015
CATALYTIC PERMANENT FAILURE-REPLACE, 08MAY14, 30KMILES. OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACE, 16JUN14, 30KMILES. EXTREME CARBON BUILD UP-WALNUT BLAST CYLINDERS,CLEAN INTAKE&EXHAUST SIDE, 23MAR15, 35KMILES. REPLACE INJECTOR, 08APR15, 35K MILES. REPLACE NOX SENSOR, 17APR15, 29KMILES. DIESEL ACTIVE TANK FAILURE 28 SEPT 15, 37K MILES. CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE-PART ON BACK ORDER, 28SEPT15, 37KMILES. DSC REAR SENSOR FAILURE,07DEC15, 38K MILES. ABOVE ENGINE AND RELATED EMISSIONS FAULTS CAUSED POOR MILEAGE AND POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, LIKELY TO BE NEEDED AGAIN-SPECIFICALLY WALNUT BLASTING. PER BMW PROBLEM CAUSED DUE TO CAR BEING DRIVEN IN CITY AND NOT HIGHWAY, "TO BLOW IT OUT"- LUCKILY NO ACCIDENTS
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 2, 2013
THE RUBBER SEAL AROUND THE FROND WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND FALLS/FLIES OFF. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON 2 DIFFERENT (2006, AND 2010 WITH ONLY 17000 MILES) BMW 3 SERIES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO BMW AND WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. IT COULD A DEFECTIVE PART THAT COULD CAUSE GREAT RISK. THANKS *TR