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
274 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2023, crash, fire
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he felt a sudden surge and observed white smoke emitting from the rear passenger seat. As a result of the distraction, the contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree at approximately 35 MPH; the driver's steering wheel and driver's seat air bags both deployed. Upon exiting and inspecting the trunk of the vehicle, the contact observed flames engulfing the trunk liner. The contact stated that he was able to extinguish the fire himself with water. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. No police report was filed. No fire report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it remained. The failure had not been diagnosed. After investigating the issue, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V314000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 19, 2023
The engine stalled multiple times driving on the highway. When I turn off the car and turn on the car, it would go back to normal. I researched this is a problem for 335d, I think im experiencing the same problem, not sure why 335i is not included in the recall list. This happened multiple times for me and I ignored it at that time, other person has also experienced the same issue when he was driving my car. Now the electrical battery power is completely shut off and there is no recall, this really bothers me.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 11, 2023
The airbag light just turned on on me, I was looking to see if there was a recall on it, but since there isn’t, I want to make sure I’m not the only one with this problem. Also the seat belt light is on, I clicked all seat belts in, and the light remains on.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2023
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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 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 local dealer was contacted about the failure and informed him that they would call him once parts were available. 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, 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 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 repair was unavailable. The contact had experienced a failure and stated that when she had started the vehicle she smelled a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the burning odor had become a reoccurring failure and she was afraid of a vehicle fire. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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, Sep 28, 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 stated that while operating the vehicle, a burning odor was present as stated in the recall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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
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....
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.
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
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.