2010 BMW X3
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.
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2010
None on file
44% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 32 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 86 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 171 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 110 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
44% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing crankcase (pcv) and crank/camshaft position sensor.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine And Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-21
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-10
Air bags
38% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
I have been driving for over 2 years with defective air bags (Front). I have received many notices about this but no results.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-10
Engine
19% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
No warnings. The car started smoking while driving down the interstate. Lost electrical and brakes at around 30 mph while trying to stop. My daughter had to roll out of the car while moving because my brakes wouldnât stop. Finally slammed in park.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-09
Also filed under Electrical system
BMW is not addressing this recall in a timely manner. The history makes me think they're intentionally stalling the process and allowing customer engines to fail, reducing repair loads on their service centers.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-01
Electrical system
13% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Rear drivers' side door window regulator has failed twice leaving window stuck open and inoperable. Window was being opened to vent interior after being parked and vehicle was stationary.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-15
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
Steering
6% · 2 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2018-06-18Air bags17V605000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.
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R
2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
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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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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2010 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V605000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
- Recall 23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 BMW X3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 BMW X3 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW X3?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X3 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.