2010 BMW 3 Series

▲ Better than typical

2010 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:21:07.236Z

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 PER YEAR

2010: 30 complaints

View as data table

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

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 33%

33% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150326

ENGINE 20%

20% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.

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, 20140925

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

TOO LONG TO REMEDY

NHTSA ODI report, 20180811

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, 20180605

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10%

10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 7%

7% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20120822 — engine and engine cooling

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

R 20220722 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240619 — engine and engine cooling

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