2010 BMW X3 SAV
Only 23 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 23 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 |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 160 |
| 2008 | 56 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
15 of 23 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE WHILE THE PASSENGER REMAINED INSIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161116
ON MAY 31 2018 I TOOK MY X3 IN TO ROSEVILLE BMW FOR AIR BAG RECALL #B651617 PASSENGER SIDE SEAT MAT THEY TOLD MW PART ON ORDER AND DO NOT HAVE ANY PERSON SEATING IN THAT SEAT UBTILL RECALL IS COMPLEITED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181004
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST FOR YEARS AND THE DEALER NEVER SEEMS TO HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171122
3 of 23 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING POWER WHILE DRIVING, UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TURN IN MAJOR INTERSECTION. HEAVY ROAD TRAFFIC HERE IN FT LAUDERDALE, ALMOST CRASHED WITH MY 9 YEAR OLD ON WAY TO SCHOOL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121029
2 of 23 total reports mention: structure.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IN MOTION WHEN IT STARTED SMOKING. STATIONARY WHEN IT WENT UP IN FLAMES
NHTSA ODI report, 20180503
2 of 23 total reports mention: engine.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE WHILE THE PASSENGER REMAINED INSIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161116
2 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
Campaign 14V176000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 BMW X3 SAV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V176000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2010 BMW X3 SAV 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 X3 SAV?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X3 SAV 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.