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 5 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2010 BMW 5 Series, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 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 5 Series has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Air bags
1Electrical system
1Engine
1Engine and engine cooling
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Structure
1Visibility
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2010 BMW 5 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.
no report yet
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE.
no report yet
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Storage: fuel gauge system
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD DISPLAY A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK.
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 5 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 5 Series median. How we score
'96'97'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 BMW 5 Series safety ratings
2010 BMW 5 Series 4-DR w/SAB (except GT) in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What 5 Series owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WITH ADULT PASSENGER FIRMLY BELTED INTO PASSENGER SEAT. LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED FOR PERIODS WHICH VARY FROM 5 MINUTES TO 30 MINUTES. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF THIS IS A DEFECTIVE LIGHT ONLY OR IF THE AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT…
Own a 2010 5 Series?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.