2010 BMW 3 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 BMW 3 Series has 30 complaints and a complaint index of 56, ranking 5th worst out of 10 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Airbags are the top problem area, with 2 recall campaigns covering the engine.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 56/100
- #5 of 10 3 Series years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 30
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2010 BMW 3 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags10 (33%)
- Engine8 (27%)
- Electrical System5 (17%)
- Fuel System3 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (10%)
- Brakes2 (7%)
- Other2 (7%)
- Structure & Body2 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment smoke and visible flames while driving at low speed, in one case around 20 mph.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a crash after the rear of the car slid out on a snowy road.
- Some owners describe run-flat and other tires losing air pressure repeatedly, triggering the tire pressure warning light even after replacement.
- One owner reported a sudden loss of engine power for several seconds while accelerating to pass another vehicle.
- Owners describe turn signal LED assemblies dimming or failing to light on one or both sides, requiring replacement of the whole light unit.
- A sunroof reportedly shattered with a loud explosion sound while driving at highway speed.
2010 BMW 3 Series recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine157,796 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
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.
- NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
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.
2010 compared with other 3 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 30 complaints and a complaint index of 56 for the 2010 3 Series, giving it a Caution verdict. It ranks 5th worst among the 10 model years with data, better than 2006, 2007, and 2009 but worse than years like 2012 and 2013.
- What is the top problem area for the 2010 BMW 3 Series?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 10 of 30 complaints (33%), with a median failure mileage of 72,500 miles. Engine complaints follow at 8 complaints (27%), including one fire report.
- Does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2010 3 Series, both involving the engine. One covers VANOS bolt replacement and the other covers an electrical wiring fix that supersedes two earlier recalls.
- Which BMW 3 Series years are worse than 2010?
- According to the complaint index, 2006 (100), 2009 (89), and 2007 (78) rank worse than 2010 (56) and all carry an Avoid verdict, while 2010 is rated Caution.