2010 BMW X3 Sav
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › X3 Sav › 2010
These records cover every 2010 BMW X3 Sav. 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 X3 Sav. Newest first.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system
On may 31 2018 I took my X3 in to roseville BMW for air bag recall #b651617 passenger side seat mat they told mw part on order and do not have any person seating in that seat ubtill recall IS compleited. It IS now oct 4 2018 and no repair has been made. I just got 2 more recall notices from…
On may 31 2018 I took my X3 in to roseville BMW for air bag recall #b651617 passenger side seat mat they told mw part on order and do not have any person seating in that seat ubtill recall IS compleited. It IS now oct 4 2018 and no repair has been made. I just got 2 more recall notices from roseville BMW stating to call them about recall #b651617 paas seat mat. So I called service and they told me no parts have come in and do not know when the part will be shipped!!!!!, also on another note on this X3 I have also replaced window regulators all 4 and now both rear regulators broke again #5 and #6 that IS not cheap why??????
- Structure › Body
In motion when it started smoking. Stationary when it went up in flames
- Air bags
Takata recall, my car has been on the recall list for years and the dealer never seems to have the parts to replace.
- Air bags
It's been 17 months and BMW na has not moved on repairing my car.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Vin tool confirms parts not available. updated 10/25/17*lj *as
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The contact called more than two dealers, but a specific…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The contact called more than two dealers, but a specific date could not be provided for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair the contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Updated 06/01/17*lj *cn
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Received from BMW, in march 2016, recall notice 16v-071, driver's front air bag module. As of this date, BMW still does not have the necessary parts available, and as of this date (12-21-2016) advised me not to expect them until early 2017 - almost a year later. My prior complaint to the nhtsa has been ignored. Somebody, somewhere, needs to be fired.
- Air bags
Nhtsa recall number 16v071 issued on 02/5/16 instruct that 2010 BMW X3 xdrive30i driver's front air bag IS defective and may produce execessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rapture resulting in serioous injury or death. I have been checking frequently with BMW and did not remedy the defect to date which I think more than a reasonable period of time to complete this defeect.
- Air bags · Engine
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning in the middle of three lanes of traffic. The contact exited the vehicle while the passenger remained inside. Another vehicle driving at a high rate of speed crashed into the rear of…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning in the middle of three lanes of traffic. The contact exited the vehicle while the passenger remained inside. Another vehicle driving at a high rate of speed crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle, pushed the vehicle to the left, and caused it to crash into a curb. The air bags did not deploy. The driver was not injured. The front passenger sustained major injuries to the back, shoulder, and neck. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the body damage was repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vanos housing bolts were supposedly replaced. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The contact received notification of a manufacturer recall for nhtsa campaign number: 14v176000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified, but had not called the contact back. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Received recall notice dated march 2016 re "driver's front air bag module". BMW sarasota, fl dealer states that no parts are available to remedy this defect. That IS a 6 month delay, which IS an unreasonable period of time for repair.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3 sav. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. updated 10/13/16*lj *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled as the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled as the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Steering
Many dashboard warning lights came on simultaneously while driving. took to BMW of rockville md. they diagnosed failure of "faulty steering angle sensor and coil spring." they confirmed this was a safety issue, and that it was nothing we did that caused it-- it was a faulty part. after only…
Many dashboard warning lights came on simultaneously while driving. took to BMW of rockville md. they diagnosed failure of "faulty steering angle sensor and coil spring." they confirmed this was a safety issue, and that it was nothing we did that caused it-- it was a faulty part. after only 33,000 miles, to have a critical part fail, seems serious to me. they charged us $2080.76 to fix, because it was outside warranty due to age of car. to my mind if a part fault or failure occurs, that IS a safety issue, a recall issue, not a warranty issue and the carmaker should fix and report it.
- Unknown or other
Received notice in june 2014 regarding recall campaign no. 14V-176: vanos assembly bolts. After an initial notice was received, from BMW of north america, llc, I have heard nothing further. A telephone call to/from the local BMW dealer suggested that I be patient and wait to be contacted when parts…
Received notice in june 2014 regarding recall campaign no. 14V-176: vanos assembly bolts. After an initial notice was received, from BMW of north america, llc, I have heard nothing further. A telephone call to/from the local BMW dealer suggested that I be patient and wait to be contacted when parts were available. The local dealer, BMW of sarasota IS a superior dealership - I have no complaints with them, only compliments. However, an e-mail sent to BMW customer relations, at the address contained in the recall notice, was not responded to. I was requesting a status update. My concern IS that a wall street journal article, o/a 8/4/2014, suggests negligent follow-up by the nhtsa regarding recalls. It suggests that a wait time for repairs of up to ten months or more, with no intervention by the nhtsa, IS the norm. I would like to know from the nhtsa what its responsibilities are with regard to the status of recalls, especially this one. Your contact information was indicated in the recall notice. This complaint IS about the nhtsa's lack of follow-up on vehicle safety recalls - not BMW. *tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the power steering system malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to seize. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, who diagnoses the vehicle as having a defective power steering pump. The dealer did not have the power steering pump. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 51,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the muffler detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
- Structure › Body · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
My wife was driving the car and she heard a clinking sound, it was the sun roof glass that shattered. my wife stopped at a hardware store taped the glass, and covered it with plastic. the glass could have flown off and damages cars( including ours) and injured people. *tr
- Steering
Sudden loss of steering power while driving, unable to turn steering wheel while driving and attempting turn in major intersection. Heavy road traffic here in ft lauderdale, almost crashed with my 9 year old on way to school. This IS 3RD attempt to fix problem, car was returned but not properly…
Sudden loss of steering power while driving, unable to turn steering wheel while driving and attempting turn in major intersection. Heavy road traffic here in ft lauderdale, almost crashed with my 9 year old on way to school. This IS 3RD attempt to fix problem, car was returned but not properly fixed, took back to dealer next day with same issue & its still there after 14 days, concerned & fear for my family's safety and security while driving this BMW due to sudden loss of steering while turning & driving in city traffic! *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
- 10253326While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10057566BMW: some vehicles, with 552 option, are experiencing a malfunction of led headlight on one where it flickers on an doff during driving and the control check message IS indicating defective driving light or parking light.
- 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.
- 10057335BMW: the camshaft (vanos) adjustment units, on certain vehicle, had the limited warranty extended, without the limitation of mileage, to 10 years.
- 10056324BMW: in some vehicles, when the k CAN2 wiring IS shorted, no communication with any control modules (box electronics, telematic control module,car access system, radio/navigation, central gateway model or footwell module) during vehicle testing, no engagement of transmission gears, fail to start, when driving, will stop running. Model F25 (X3).
- 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.
- 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
- 10052360BMW: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. Models F10, 25, 07, E70, 71. No model years listed.
- 10052358BMW: on some vehicles, the alternator would malfunction, due to sporadically charging or not charge at all, intermittently, when engine's at operating temperature. Models F10, F25. No model years listed.
- 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.
- 10051899Instrument cluster display IS intermittently inoperative. BMW F25, and F30 models.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10044679BMW: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding the defect in the rear window defroster that fails to operate properly. No model years listed.
- 10044026BMW: heavy condensation on xenon headlights. In heavy rain conditions or high humidty, condensation may build up inside one or both headlight(s). The condensation IS still present even after a few dry days.
- 10044023Bmw:various functions of the electrical system fail. In rare cases, the vehicle may not start. One of the 100-amp fuses in the rear power distribution box (X3) mounted on the battery has failed. Updated on 4/25/2013.
- 10043865BMW: gauge needles randomly stop in wrong position on instrument cluster, moving the wrong way, showing incorrect values and remain in wrong position after ignition IS switched off.
- 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.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
Every BMW X3 Sav model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.