MYRModel Year Report

2010 BMW 3 Series

▲ Better than typical
2010 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:41.978Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
30
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2010

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

37% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 88 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 26 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2005: 25 complaints 2006: 202 complaints 2006 2007: 115 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 53 complaints 2010: 30 complaints 2010 30 2011: 1 complaint 2012: 7 complaints 2013: 21 complaints 2023: 0 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 88 complaints 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 26 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2005: 25 complaints 2005 2006: 202 complaints 2007: 115 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 53 complaints 2010: 30 complaints 2010 30 2011: 1 complaint 2012: 7 complaints 2013: 21 complaints 2013 2023: 0 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 88 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 26 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2004 2005: 25 complaints 2005 2006: 202 complaints 2006 2007: 115 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2008 2009: 53 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010 30 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 7 complaints 2012 2013: 21 complaints 2013 2023: 0 complaints 2023

2010: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
19920
19930
19941
19953
19962
19975
19983
19996
200088
200136
200226
200351
200477
200525
2006202
2007115
200868
200953
201030
20111
20127
201321
20230

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

37% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Driving from work on a snowing day, going about 25 to 35. The rear of the car started going to the other side of lane. I traded to get control but it was to late. I hit a guard rail and the air bags never came out.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-26

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-28

Engine

20% · 6 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 3 Series. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, smoke started to emit from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road in order to inspect the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-25

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Electrical system

17% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Too long to remedy

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-11

In November 2017, BMW sent me letters regarding possible fire hazards due to defects of the blower motor wiring and the pcv valve heater (Recall numbers 17V-676 and 17V-683).

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-05

Vehicle speed control

10% · 3 reports

Tires

7% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...

    Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2024-06-19Engine and engine cooling23V707000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2010 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 BMW 3 Series is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 3 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.