2010 BMW M3
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2010
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2010: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
8 of 15 total reports mention: air bags.
Engine
4 of 15 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
2010 E92 55K miles (88K km) the car is unmodified. The car has a full service history. The vehicle never tracked - almost all travel during my ownership were highway miles (23K).
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-23
Power train
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
When braking hard and downshifting smg seems to be confused as to what gear you want. Happens mostly when downshifting and braking hard then making a right turn . ## VIN passed ## 2010,BMW,M3 ##.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-01
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Service brakes
2 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Parked on a slight hill, shifted out of drive and applied the ebrake by pulling up firmly. Unbucked my seat belt, opened the door, and got out of the vehicle. Left the door open to go in my house, grab my wallet, and come back.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-07-20
Also filed under Seat belts
Seat belts
1 of 15 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-11-01Air bags16V071000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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R
2018-06-29Electrical system17V676000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available.
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R
2019-08-14Electrical system19V472000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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R
2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2010 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
- Recall 19V472000 · Electrical system
- Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 BMW M3 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 M3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 BMW M3 have?
- 4 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.