2010 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 3 Series › 2010
These records cover every 2010 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2010 BMW 3 Series. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Owner complaints
30 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Air bag light just came on, had it checked but still there
- Engine
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.
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Electrical system · Seat belts
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.
- Electrical system
Too long to remedy
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Air bags
Takata air bag recall
- Wheels
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Air bags
Takata recall. I am still waiting for my airbag to be replaced.
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
Takata recall.
- Air bags
"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.
- Air bags
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…
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
- Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Engine
When driving on pa-401, I approached stop sign at PA-82. my speed was approximately 40 mph, slowing to make a routine stop. when approaching the intersection at low speed, I started hearing a pulsing thump from the passenger side of the car. drove slowly home and had the car towed to a BMW…
When driving on pa-401, I approached stop sign at PA-82. my speed was approximately 40 mph, slowing to make a routine stop. when approaching the intersection at low speed, I started hearing a pulsing thump from the passenger side of the car. drove slowly home and had the car towed to a BMW dealer. it turned out that the two aluminium engine mount bolts on the passenger side of the car snapped. this meant that the engine was not properly fastened to the frame - a very dangerous situation. engine mount bolts should not snap for no reason. and BMW should cover their replacement (parts and labor) at no charge to the owner. (my car was certified pre-owned, so I only had a $50 out of pocket cost, but once it expires later this year, my cost would have been significantly higher, not to mention the danger of driving a car with a bouncing, unsecured engine)
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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.
- Air bags
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
- Engine
Engine ignition coil failed and car started to shake rendering it unable to drive. car IS towed to dealership who indicated that ignition coil failures are a common issue across bmws. there are recalls on this problem in european countries and I am wondering why there isn't a recall in the us. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Vehicle speed control
I was driving on the highway 295 around 67 mph. while I was on the highway about 10 minutes I felt a loss of speed about five times. it feel like I let go the gas pedal, but I never did. and suddenly the car stalled while I was on 67 mph. I try to pulled to the right side lane of the highway.…
I was driving on the highway 295 around 67 mph. while I was on the highway about 10 minutes I felt a loss of speed about five times. it feel like I let go the gas pedal, but I never did. and suddenly the car stalled while I was on 67 mph. I try to pulled to the right side lane of the highway. I try to start the car back up but it won't start. I keep tryin for about ten times and it about half an hour went by it start back up again. *tr
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 3 series. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, smoke started to emit from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road in order to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that once the hood of vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 3 series. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, smoke started to emit from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road in order to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that once the hood of vehicle was open, he observed flames coming from the engine. the contact extinguished the fire. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who stated the emission valve overheated. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 38,000.
- Air bags
I am 5'2", fat and wanted either an on/switch for my front driver's airbag, or I was going to apply under your guidelines to have the driver's airbag disconnected. BMW apparently can do neither since their airbag IS tied into its electrical system. I have gotten nothing but a run around regarding…
I am 5'2", fat and wanted either an on/switch for my front driver's airbag, or I was going to apply under your guidelines to have the driver's airbag disconnected. BMW apparently can do neither since their airbag IS tied into its electrical system. I have gotten nothing but a run around regarding what for me IS a safety issue. I don't want to be decapitated in the event of a crash. do you have any enforcement authority over this that would make BMW comply with your requirements? *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Noticed the passenger side blinker started to blink quickly. the brakes and tail lights use a bulb while the blinker has approximately 15 leds. therefore the entire light assembly has to be replaced. several of the leds do not light up and the ones that do are dim. Two weeks later the driver…
Noticed the passenger side blinker started to blink quickly. the brakes and tail lights use a bulb while the blinker has approximately 15 leds. therefore the entire light assembly has to be replaced. several of the leds do not light up and the ones that do are dim. Two weeks later the driver side blinker did the same thing. This concerns me as another driver may not be aware that I am turning until it IS to late. *tr
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Power train
Driver side floor mat curled up at front and was captured by clutch pedal when changing gear. When clutch was again engaged, mat was pulled up and interfered with subsequent brake operation before freeing itself and falling back onto floor well. Since problem was intermittent, it took a while to figure out. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
I was exiting a freeway and was attempting to pass a slow moving vehicle in front of me. I passed the vehicle and accelerated in order to keep a safe distance between me and the car behind me. Much to my surprise, when I "put the pedal to the metal", I experienced a loss of power. My car completely…
I was exiting a freeway and was attempting to pass a slow moving vehicle in front of me. I passed the vehicle and accelerated in order to keep a safe distance between me and the car behind me. Much to my surprise, when I "put the pedal to the metal", I experienced a loss of power. My car completely lost power for about 5 - 8 seconds. The car I had just passed nearly rear-ended me because they did not expect me pass and then reduce my speed. I took my care to the BMW dealer who claimed to have never heard of such a thing. They checks out the car (it was approximately 3 months old) and could not duplicate the problem, I was told to drive more often in sport mode. This has happened two other times over the last 21 months and the dealer has said each time they could not duplicate the problem. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I equipped with continental contipro contact tires, size 205/55/r16, dot number: 1LT4 bxh62711. the contact stated that all four of the tires would consistently loose air and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I equipped with continental contipro contact tires, size 205/55/r16, dot number: 1LT4 bxh62711. the contact stated that all four of the tires would consistently loose air and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer replaced the tires, but the failure persisted. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 4,000 and the current mileage was 7,000. updated 11/17/11 *bf the consumer stated that the failure has been on going since the date of purchase. She also stated the tires must be checked on a weekly basis. updated 06/13/2012 *js
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10240305Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- 10240273This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.
- 10240266SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is being submitted here as required by part 579.5. Vehicle Applications include: BMW series 1,2,3,& 4, 2008-2023; Chevrolet Camaro 26-2023, Cadillac ATS, CTS 2016-2019; Ford Mustang 2015-2023; Toyota Supra 2020-2023.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10143557Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- 10059092BMW: improper routing of the bowden cable causes the driver or passenger front door not to open occasionally when temperature IS below 37 degrees.
- 10059089BMW - brake booster vacuum might reduce if temperature gets below 14 degrees
- 10058551BMW: on transmission side, in some vehicles, the transmission fluid IS leaking around the area of the oil cooler lines causing unfavorable cooling line connection tolerances to damage o rings. Model E84 (X1), E89 (Z4), F22 & 23 (2 series), F30 & 31 (3 series), F32 & 33 (4 series), F34 (gran turismo), F36 (gran coupe).
- 10058493Floor mats peels off on the bottom
- 10057707Bmw:some BMW models may or may not display airbag warning light.
- 10057568BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25.
- 10057531BMW: in check control message or instrument cluster, a failure with power assisted steering IS illuminated, due to software related issues.
- 10057527BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up IS low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10057341BMW: malfunction warning light for engine IS illuminated due to purge air system micro leakage and ventilation of fuel tank from contamination.
- 10056099BMW: when using iphone, various connectivity failures occur, such as disconnection of call, list of contacts incomplete, due to the variants and software used. Model 2008-2014.
- 10053485BMW: service engine and engine malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle may have reduced power output. Fault code may not clear from dme fault memory. Updated on 11/8/2013. Updated 2/21/2014 updated 3/11/14.
- 10053326BMW: different fault codes stored for the N51, N52K, N52T, and N55 engines in the dme related to vanos and camshaft position. Updated 11/1/13. Updated 05/05/2014
- 10052365BMW: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, ABS and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. Models 2012 F25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71, 84.
- 10052320BMW: some vehicles may experience a failure of electronic power steering (eps) when engine has started, caused by a specific situation of undervoltage during engine start up. Model 2010-2012 F30 (3 series).
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10049279BMW: in rear of vehicle, various electrical faults are due to rem (rear electronic module) not responding to diagnosis. Models 2011-2012 3 series. Updated 7/10/13.
- 10045283BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp IS illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. Updated 10/31/12. Models 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. Updated 1/18/13. Updated 4/18/2013. Updated 05/13/2013 updated 5/19/15.
- 10045279BMW: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling within coverage exclusion.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10043862BMW: electronic malfunction and various check control messages are displayed in cid (central information display) and instrument cluster. Models 2009-2012 E70, E71, E72, E82, E88, E90, E91, E92, E93, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. Updated 11/2/12.
- 10043687BMW: the evaporative system leakage IS found, when using the nvld tank leakage test plan. Updated 1/18/13.
- 10042686BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
- 10042684BMW: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting times.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10041280BMW: the rear led lights are inoperative. There IS connection corrosion in the tail lamp.
- 10041279BMW: the dial face of the speedometer may become detached at the edge. It affects the illumination of the speedometer, but not the function.
- 10041277BMW: the door cannot be locked or unlocked when using the key or key remote. Lubrication of the door can cause defects.
- 10041276BMW: service engine soon light IS on with a fault code stored. Internal dmtl pump failure.*rm
- 10041069BMW: service engine soon light IS on with stored trouble codes.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.