repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
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.
2010 BMW 128iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2010 BMW 128i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 2, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 BMW 128i has problems
22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Engine1 crash/fire/injury
5Engine and engine cooling
2Exterior lighting
2Electrical system
2Structure1 crash/fire/injury
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Visibility/wiper
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 9 | 1 |
| Engine | 5 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2010 BMW 128i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
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.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other 128i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 128i median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 BMW 128i, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 128i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Passenger restraint system malfunction. An independent repair shop tested and found the passenger seat sensor pad is bad. From my research, BMW has a problem with this part.
I have contacted BMW multiple times to come out and perform all 3 recalls. They said they would call back for details specific date to send out a certified mechanic to remedy the recalls. My wife never got a call back. I live over a hundred miles from any dealer on the VA and WV state lines. I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED ALTHOUGH A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. THE…
Own a 2010 128i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.