How common are engine problems in the 2010 BMW 328i?

NHTSA lists 86 engine-related complaints for the 2010 328i, which is 55% of all 155 complaints filed for this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2010 BMW 328i engine?

Yes. NHTSA lists two engine-related recalls: campaign 17V683000 for the PCV valve heater and campaign 14V176000 for the VANOS assembly bolts.

At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2010 328i?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 103,788 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Did the 2010 328i engine problems cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data shows 3 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to complaints in the engine problem area.

How does the 2010 328i engine complaint rate compare to other years?

The 2010 328i's engine complaints made up 55% of its total complaints, lower than the 2011 model year's 64% share but higher than the 2009 model year's 36% share.

2010 BMW 328i Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 86 complaints, 55% of all 155 complaints filed for the 2010 BMW 328i. Owners report sudden stalling, loss of power, and timing chain failures, with a median mileage at failure of 103,788. Two related recalls cover VANOS assembly bolts and PCV valve heater issues.

Engine complaints: 86; 55% of 155 complaints
All complaints this year: 155
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 103,789 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls suddenly at low speed or while decelerating, sometimes accompanied by loss of power steering.
Sudden loss of acceleration or hesitation on the highway, followed by a check engine light and reduced top speed.
Catastrophic engine failure reported with a loud noise, oil pouring from the engine compartment, and the vehicle becoming inoperable.
Timing chain failure reported after a rattling noise preceded the engine cutting off and not restarting.
Burning odor or smoke from under the hood linked to recall campaigns for the PCV valve heater and VANOS assembly bolts, with parts reported unavailable for repair.
Ignition coil failure reported causing hesitation, stalling near stops, and inability to exceed 50 mph.

When 2010 BMW 328i engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 17, 2014, latest Aug 25, 2026.

86 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2014 to Aug 2026; peak Apr 2024 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2010 BMW 328i

NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA 14V176000Apr 10, 2014Engine156,137 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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 Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
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.

Engine complaints by 328i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20050 (0%)
20060 (0%)
2007102 (26%)
200888 (37%)
200970 (36%)
201086 (55%)
2011370 (64%)
201275 (58%)
2013137 (53%)
201463 (42%)
201565 (52%)
201630 (53%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2010 BMW 328i?: NHTSA lists 86 engine-related complaints for the 2010 328i, which is 55% of all 155 complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2010 BMW 328i engine?: Yes. NHTSA lists two engine-related recalls: campaign 17V683000 for the PCV valve heater and campaign 14V176000 for the VANOS assembly bolts.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2010 328i?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 103,788 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Did the 2010 328i engine problems cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data shows 3 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to complaints in the engine problem area.
How does the 2010 328i engine complaint rate compare to other years?: The 2010 328i's engine complaints made up 55% of its total complaints, lower than the 2011 model year's 64% share but higher than the 2009 model year's 36% share.