2010 BMW 5 Series
Only 6 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 6 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 |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS TRAVELING ON FREEWAY TO THE AIRPORT WHEN MY WIFE AND I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOUD AIRFLOW. I PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND INSPECTED CAR. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140730
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS TRAVELING ON FREEWAY TO THE AIRPORT WHEN MY WIFE AND I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOUD AIRFLOW. I PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND INSPECTED CAR. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140730
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR STALLS AT HIGH SPEED, FUEL PUMP WARNINGS LIGHT COMES ON. CAR WILL RESET AFTER 30 MINS BUT WILL CONTINUE TO SHUT OFF DURING DRIVING. BOTH FUEL PUMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED
NHTSA ODI report, 20190617
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR LOST POWER WHEN REVS WENT UP ABOVE 3.5K RPM AND RECOVERED AS SOON AS REVS FELL BELOW THIS RANGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101210
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CA
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 10V331000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 10V446000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER
Campaign 12V126000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V331000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V446000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V126000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V707000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2010 BMW 5 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 5 Series?
The most-reported component is visibility:sun/moon roof assembly, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 5 Series have?
5 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.