2010 BMW 5 Series Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#3 most-complained of 4 5 Series years
The 2010 BMW 5 Series has a complaint index of 33, ranking 3rd out of 4 model years tracked, and NHTSA lists it with a "Good" verdict relative to other years. It has 6 complaints, 5 recalls, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2010 BMW 5 Series problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (33%)
- Fuel System2 (33%)
- Airbags1 (17%)
- Electrical System1 (17%)
- Other1 (17%)
- Structure & Body1 (17%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (17%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power when revs climb above 3.5k rpm, then recovers once revs drop, at a median failure mileage of 70,000.
- A knocking noise during acceleration led to diagnosis of bearing failure requiring engine replacement.
- Airbag warning light illuminates with the passenger seat occupied and belted, sometimes for 5 to 30 minutes, with BMW unable to confirm airbag function.
- Sunroof glass has shattered and blown apart while driving on the freeway, scattering glass near following traffic.
- Fuel system stalls at high speed with fuel pump warning lights, resetting after time before shutting off again; both fuel pumps were replaced in one case.
2010 BMW 5 Series recalls
5 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.
- NHTSA 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Electrical System367,682 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
2010 compared with other 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- Relative to other 5 Series years tracked, the 2010 model ranks well, with a complaint index of 33 and 3rd place out of 4 years, earning a "Good" verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 5 Series?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine and Fuel System issues tied as the top problem areas, each accounting for 33% of complaints, with median failure mileages of 70,000 and 130,000 respectively.
- Does the 2010 BMW 5 Series have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2010 5 Series covering engine (VANOS bolts and wiring), electrical (battery cable connector), brakes (vacuum pump check valve), and fuel system (fuel level sensor) components.
- How does the 2010 5 Series compare to other model years?
- The 2010 model has a complaint index of 33, much lower than the 2011 model's index of 100 (rated "Avoid") and the 2012 model's index of 67 (rated "Caution").