2010 BMW 328xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 BMW 328xi has a complaint index of 50, ranking 6th out of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Its top problem area is the Electrical System (41% of complaints), followed closely by the Engine (41%), with three recalls on record.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #6 of 11 328xi years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 17
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2010 BMW 328xi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System7 (41%)
- Engine7 (41%)
- Airbags5 (29%)
- Fuel System3 (18%)
- Seat Belts2 (12%)
- Structure & Body2 (12%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles stall suddenly at low speeds around 20 mph with dash lights flickering off and on.
- The restraint system malfunction alert repeatedly triggers, sometimes tied to a headrest airbag that dealers cannot permanently fix.
- Engine mounting bolts can shear off, causing the front end to shake and bang while driving.
- Owners report the fuel pump seizing, linked by some to an electrical system recall campaign.
- Airbag warning lights for the seat belt and passenger airbag activate in hot weather when the car is parked outside for hours.
- Owners describe long waits for Takata airbag recall parts, with some vehicles going years without an available fix.
2010 BMW 328xi recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2010 compared with other 328xi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW 328xi reliable?
- It ranks 6th out of 11 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 328xi?
- Electrical System issues make up 41% of complaints, tied with Engine problems at 41%, followed by Airbags at 29% and Fuel System at 18%.
- Does the 2010 BMW 328xi have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls for this year: two covering Airbags and one covering the Electrical System, including a wiring and connector replacement campaign.
- At what mileage do problems typically show up on the 2010 328xi?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 88,500 miles, though Electrical System issues showed up at a median of 76,500 miles.
- Is the 2010 328xi better or worse than other 328xi years?
- It is worse than the 2006, 2009, and 2015 model years, which carry Good verdicts, but better than 2007, 2008, and 2011, which are rated Avoid.