repaired · 2026 Q1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2010 BMW 3 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 30 owner complaints about the 2010 BMW 3 Series, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 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 October 20, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 BMW 3 Series has problems
30 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
6Engine1 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system
3Vehicle speed control
2Tires
2Exterior lighting
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Power train
1Seat belts
1010 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 10 | 1 |
| Engine | 6 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 10 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2010 BMW 3 Series 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 · 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.
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 3 Series 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 3 Series median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 BMW 3 Series safety ratings
2010 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What 3 Series owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TAKATA RECALL - I THINK AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME. BMW SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL AFFECTING THIS. BOTH STATIONARY AND MOVING.
TAKATA RECALL. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED IN FEBRUARY 2016. IT IS NOW ALMOST AUGUST 2017. 18 MONTHS FOR A SAFETY RECALL IS BEYOND REASONABLE TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.
"TAMARA RECALL" - AFTER CALLING MY DEALER TO ASK WHEN MY CAR WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED ABOUT WHEN THAT WILL HAPPEN. I RECEIVED MY RECALL LETTER EARLY LAST YEAR. IT SEEMS TO ME AS THOUGH SOMEONE IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET. MAYBE YOUR AGENCY NEEDS TO LIGHT A FIRE UNDER THOSE…
Own a 2010 3 Series?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.