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.
2010 BMW M3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2010 BMW M3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-071 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 20, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 BMW M3 has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags
4Engine
2Power train
1Exterior lighting
1Electrical system
1Seat belts
1Service brakes
1Service brakes, hydraulic
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2010 BMW M3 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 · 2020 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
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 · 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…
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 M3 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 M3 median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'21'22'23'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 BMW M3, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What M3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF…
TAKATA RECALL. MANUFACTURER STILL DELAYING REMEDY FOR MY VEHICLE. (IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE THE RECALL) I'M DRIVING THE CAR WITH LIFE THREATENING RISK EVERYDAY IN FEAR. PLEASE ENFORCE REPLACEMENT REMEDY ASAP.
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMWNA IN MARCH 2016. MORE THAN 6 MONTHS LATER, THE PARTS IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE FROM TAKATA FOR RECALL WHEN I CALL THE BMW DEALERSHIP, I AM TOLD I WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER LETTER FROM BMWNA WHEN THE PARTS IS AVAILABLE. I AM VERY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY.
Own a 2010 M3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.