2010 BMW 1 Series
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. DOES NOT DETECT PASSENGER. "AIRBAG OFF" IS ILLUMINATED WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171204
1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER CAR ON THE FREE WAY AT NIGHT BY HER SELF AND IT WENT FROM 65 MILES TO HOUR TO 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THEN IT STOPPED. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOME AND MY WIFE WAS VERY SCARED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151026
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. DOES NOT DETECT PASSENGER. "AIRBAG OFF" IS ILLUMINATED WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171204
1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER CAR ON THE FREE WAY AT NIGHT BY HER SELF AND IT WENT FROM 65 MILES TO HOUR TO 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THEN IT STOPPED. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOME AND MY WIFE WAS VERY SCARED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151026
1 of 8 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
THE TAIL LIGHTS AND 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAIL. THERE IS NO INDICATOR ON DASH THAT NOTIFIES OF SUCH FAILURE, CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20111013
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
Remedy: VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AN
Campaign 10V254000 — check if this car was fixed
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-20
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may co
Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 23V707000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V254000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V707000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2010 BMW 1 Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 1 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 1 Series have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.