2010 BMW 3 Series Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 78 4 crash 4 injury

“TAKATA RECALL ON DECEMBER 25, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. MY 2010 328I BMW SKIDDED OFF HWY 99 SOUTHBOUND GOING TOWARDS LAX. VEHICLE SKIDDED AS CAUSED BY THE BLACK ICE ON ROAD, RESULTING IN US CRASHING INTO THE LEFT GUARD RAIL. MY MOTHER AND I FELT THE ENTIRE IMPACT OF VEHICLE . I, AS THE DRIVER, HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CAUSING SEVERE WHIPLASH AND A SPRAINED NECK. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE, DUE TO IMPACT OF CRASH BEING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. ONCE CHP ARRIVED, MY CAR WAS TOWED OFF THE HWY. THE BMW'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME O…”
NHTSA complaint #10817288, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, she crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle that was making a turn. The air bags deployed, and the contact's face struck the steering wheel. The fire department and police arrived on the scene, but the contact was unaware if any reports had been filed. The firefighter escorted the contact out of the vehicle, while smoke came from the engine. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated for a fractured nose and teeth, shrapnel in the left eye, bruising on the right shoulder and…”
NHTSA complaint #11637678, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR, SLOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHERE MY VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT BOTH FRONT PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SUFFERED PARTIAL HEARING LOSS AS A RESULT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AT THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #10881828, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 70 6 fire

“2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won’t be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11497509, 2022 · fire

“CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND BURST INTO FLAMES 5 MINUTES AFTER PARKING IT. TOTALLY DESTROYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11166563, 2019 · fire

“I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN SMOKE BEGAN ARISING FROM MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND WAS FOLLOWED BY FLAMES...I HAD HAD MY CAR IN FOR AC MALFUNCTIONING EARLIER IN THE THE SUMMER AND ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL RELATIVE TO MOTOR BLOWER WIRING..THEY SAID AT BMW NOT THE PROBLEM AND NO FIX YET AVAILABLE ..MY CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED...I HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE”
NHTSA complaint #11119994, 2018 · fire

Electrical System 65 1 crash 8 fire

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he felt a sudden surge and observed white smoke emitting from the rear passenger seat. As a result of the distraction, the contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree at approximately 35 MPH; the driver's steering wheel and driver's seat air bags both deployed. Upon exiting and inspecting the trunk of the vehicle, the contact observed flames engulfing the trunk liner. The contact stated that he was able to extinguish the fire himself with water. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel.…”
NHTSA complaint #11526613, 2023 · crash · fire

“I believe it was an electrical problem, my car caught fire in the trunk on the passenger side above the battery and behind the trunk lining. My safety was out at risk because I started the car a next thing you know I started smelling smoke, I looked back and my car was on fire from the trunk. I popped the trunk open and it was nothing but smoke an fire. Lucky there was a fire extinguisher Around, so I was able to detain the fire for the most part. But there has already been excessive damage inside the trunk. I just found out there was a recall for this car in March of 2022, but we had got this…”
NHTSA complaint #11542113, 2023 · fire

“2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won’t be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11497509, 2022 · fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 47 2 fire

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an unknown failure. The mechanic informed the contact that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11460147, 2022 · fire

“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. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HOOD OF VEHICLE WAS OPEN, HE OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE EMISSION VALVE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10639084, 2014 · fire

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (Air Bags), 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while accelerating from the vehicle idling, and turning left or right, the transmission hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesi…”
NHTSA complaint #11733200, 2026

Fuel System 17

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMX 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT AND A POLICE OFFICER PUSHED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. AFTER WAITING 30 MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE…”
NHTSA complaint #11406958, 2021

“I WAS TRAVELING ON THE PA TURNPIKE NEAR THE QUAKERTOWN EXIT AT 75 MPH IN THE LEFT HAND LANE WHEN MY CAR SHUT DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP IN ACTIVE TRAFFIC. AS THE CAR WAS SHUTTING DOWN I HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING BUT WAS ABLE TO BRAKE. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE ERROR CODES OR LIGHTS TO INDICATE ISSUE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE CAR, THE ENGINE WOULD ROLL BUT I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. I CALLED 911 FOR ASSISTANCE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT A STATE FARM HIGHWAY WORKER STOPPED TO PROTECT ME FROM HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC COMING UP BEHIND ME UNTIL I COULD BE SAFELY MOVED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO WEST…”
NHTSA complaint #10598742, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 5 AND 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND JERKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10451672, 2011

Unknown Or Other 16 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR, SLOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHERE MY VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT BOTH FRONT PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SUFFERED PARTIAL HEARING LOSS AS A RESULT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AT THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #10881828, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I believe it was an electrical problem, my car caught fire in the trunk on the passenger side above the battery and behind the trunk lining. My safety was out at risk because I started the car a next thing you know I started smelling smoke, I looked back and my car was on fire from the trunk. I popped the trunk open and it was nothing but smoke an fire. Lucky there was a fire extinguisher Around, so I was able to detain the fire for the most part. But there has already been excessive damage inside the trunk. I just found out there was a recall for this car in March of 2022, but we had got this…”
NHTSA complaint #11542113, 2023 · fire

“2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won’t be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11497509, 2022 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 15

“2010 bmw 328i xdrive: Had in for recall PCV 1/08/2025. This vehicle has had a prior recall for same issue before i owned in 2014. Motorwerks BMW failed to complete recall, as parts and repair bulletin from BMW OF AMERICA has parts list. Motorwerks just CHOSE to put items, subtitled under other services/self pay. When I asked about this they responded that CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ....as build date put it a year out? A RECALL IS A RECALL ITS FOREVER, OR THE LIFE OF CAR. not when they the dealer/shop and BMW right? i have filed and called and complained to numerous places including NCDS, BMW o…”
NHTSA complaint #11722638, 2026

“The high pressure fuel pump failed. I still have the vehicle but it does work. It cannot be driven with a bad high pressure fuel pump. To repair it is over $2000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #11499513, 2022

“The car is experiencing rough idles and an imbalance in the overall performance. The PCV valve is not allowing enough air to return to the combustion chamber, creating a rough idle as the levels are imbalanced. It’s also causing a lean air to fuel mixture, oil leaks and increased fuel consumption. The PCV valve hoses became blocked by built-up moisture causing high pressure to be built up in the engine crankcase. The only way for this high pressure to escape is up through the cylinders and out of the gaskets, thus causing the gaskets to lose their seals. Oil is now able to leak out of the gas…”
NHTSA complaint #11493272, 2022

Exterior Lighting 12 3 fire

“MY HEAD LIGHTS WITH ADAPTIVE DRIVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE WIRES.”
NHTSA complaint #11397981, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN THE DARK, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON OPENING THE TRUNK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK LIGHT WAS BURNED OUT AND A STRONG BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,237.”
NHTSA complaint #11076751, 2018 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WE SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE. UPON PULLING OVER WE FOUND A SMALL FIRE WAS BURNING IN THE HEAD/FOG LIGHT AREA OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE HEAD AND FOG LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY STATE FARM. NEITHER STATE FARM NOR BMWNA WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE; HOWEVER, AN INTERNET INVESTIGATION HIGHLIGHTED TWO OTHER INSTANCES OF A VERY SIMILAR SITUATION WITH 3-SERIES SEDANS FROM THE SAME GENERATION AS…”
NHTSA complaint #10502544, 2012 · fire

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 10 1 crash 2 injury

“TAKATA RECALL ON DECEMBER 25, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. MY 2010 328I BMW SKIDDED OFF HWY 99 SOUTHBOUND GOING TOWARDS LAX. VEHICLE SKIDDED AS CAUSED BY THE BLACK ICE ON ROAD, RESULTING IN US CRASHING INTO THE LEFT GUARD RAIL. MY MOTHER AND I FELT THE ENTIRE IMPACT OF VEHICLE . I, AS THE DRIVER, HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CAUSING SEVERE WHIPLASH AND A SPRAINED NECK. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE, DUE TO IMPACT OF CRASH BEING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. ONCE CHP ARRIVED, MY CAR WAS TOWED OFF THE HWY. THE BMW'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME O…”
NHTSA complaint #10817288, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE VEHICLES FTM (FOOTWELL MODULE) ISN'T WORKING. DURING A DRIVE MY TURNING SIGNALS DIDN'T WANT TO WORK. MY HEADLIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF. WINDOWS STAY PUT. DOORS DON'T LOCK. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY BUT CAN STILL BE OPERATED. SHOPS AROUND THE AREA NOTIFIED ME THAT THEY HAD A FEW VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THIS YEAR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBABLY THE DATES FOR THE RECALLS DIDN'T INCLUDE MY CARS MANUFACTURERED STATE”
NHTSA complaint #11339382, 2020

“I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WENT TO BRAKE AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO 300 RPMS AND LURCHED FORWARD, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TRAFFIC WAS CRAWLING SO I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH BEFORE I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11288220, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 9 2 crash 1 injury

“I BELIEVE THAT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED MY ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS REVERSING SLOWLY OUT OF A STEEP DRIVEWAY. ONCE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE SO THAT I COULD SWITCH GEAR IN TO DRIVE. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT. THE BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO FAST, THAT WHAT STOPPED ME WAS HITTING A HORSE FENCE ACROSS THE STREET. I WAS GOING SO FAST, THAT I ENDED UP GOING AIRBORNE, AND ONLY DAMAGED THE TOP OF THE HORSE FENCE. MY FRONT PART OF MY CAR THEN FELL FORWARD AND BROKE THE TIE ROD IN HALF. I EN…”
NHTSA complaint #10884895, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE AND A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DDE AND DTC MODULES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 7/7/15*CN UPDATED 10/11/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10713855, 2015 · crash

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact drifted over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the intended destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure.…”
NHTSA complaint #11649521, 2025

Power Train 8 1 crash 1 injury

“I BELIEVE THAT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED MY ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS REVERSING SLOWLY OUT OF A STEEP DRIVEWAY. ONCE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE SO THAT I COULD SWITCH GEAR IN TO DRIVE. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT. THE BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO FAST, THAT WHAT STOPPED ME WAS HITTING A HORSE FENCE ACROSS THE STREET. I WAS GOING SO FAST, THAT I ENDED UP GOING AIRBORNE, AND ONLY DAMAGED THE TOP OF THE HORSE FENCE. MY FRONT PART OF MY CAR THEN FELL FORWARD AND BROKE THE TIE ROD IN HALF. I EN…”
NHTSA complaint #10884895, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My vehicles check engine light came on, and the car started to misfire and idle hard when driving. Jack Furrier Tire and Auto ran the code, and it came back with peoblems with the cam shaft. I brought it to BMW, and VANOS bolt (recall) code was confirmed, but they told me it was a problem with internal piece missing from the oil filter. I asked if the car was safe to drive, and they confirmed and also told me the car is having other mechanical issues I should be aware of. The service agent described possible future problems with transmission and told me that there was no remedy available for…”
NHTSA complaint #11569846, 2024

“OVER THE COURSE OF THREE DAYS, WHILE DRIVING MY 2010 BMW 328I ON A HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 65-70 MPH, THE MOTOR STALLED, SHUT OFF, DIED, LOST POWER CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE BY FORWARD MOMENTUM ALONE. VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD HAVE NO IDEA THAT MY CAR HAS NO POWER. AFTER SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT AS THOUGH NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I CALLED MY BMW DEALER AND AM BRINGING IT THERE TOMORROW. HE SAID THAT THE REPAIRS MAY BE COVERED AND THAT THEY WOULD KNOW BE…”
NHTSA complaint #11083172, 2018

Structure 8 2 fire

“CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND BURST INTO FLAMES 5 MINUTES AFTER PARKING IT. TOTALLY DESTROYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11166563, 2019 · fire

“BMW ON FIRE. I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A CITY STREET FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE SO IT MAY HAVE STARTED WHILE IN TRANSIT. MY CAR HAD NO ISSUES, NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR, ENGINE OR DRIVING EXPERIENCE. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE THERE WERE NO WARNINGS ON THE DASHBOARD, NO SMELL OF FIRE OR BURNING OIL, NO SIGNS OF ENGINE ISSUES WHILE DRIVING BUT WHILE STOPPED AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM AROUND THE DRIVER'S FRONT TIRE AREA AND IT ESCALATED QUICKLY. I WAS STOPPED WAITING AT A SECOND-TO-THE-LEFT TURN…”
NHTSA complaint #10991206, 2016 · fire

“RECALL CAMPAIGN NO 17V-683: PCV VALVE HEATER AND 17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. THE NEW RECALL BMW CALL STALLING WHILE DRIVING. CAR SHUTS OFF. I TOOK MY BMW TO SOUTH MOTORS BMW WAS DUE TO THE 3 RECALLS CAUSE BY THE MANUFACTURES DEFECT. THE LAST RECALL WAS RISK OF ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLING(STOPPING) WHILE DRIVING WHICH HAPPEN TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WE MET WITH A BMW SERVICE ADVISOR AND HE SAID THAT SOUTH MOTORS BMW SERVICE MORE THAN 100 BMW SINCE LAST YEAR AND THEY ARE ONLY FIXING THE BMW'S AS A COURTESY. HE THAN STATED HE HAD TO ORDER A COUPLE OF PART…”
NHTSA complaint #11101998, 2018

Seat Belts 7

“The airbag light just turned on on me, I was looking to see if there was a recall on it, but since there isn’t, I want to make sure I’m not the only one with this problem. Also the seat belt light is on, I clicked all seat belts in, and the light remains on.”
NHTSA complaint #11506730, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SEAT BELT CHIME ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SOUNDED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO PASSENGER OCCUPYING THE SEAT. AFTER THE LAST INCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2018, THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE CHIME WAS BY ENGAGING THE LATCH ON THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINSLOW BMW OF COLORADO SPRINGS (5845 N NEVADA AVENUE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80918) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR MAT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11133255, 2018

“TAKATA RECALL - I THINK AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME. BMW SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL AFFECTING THIS. BOTH STATIONARY AND MOVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11132144, 2018

Service Brakes 7 2 crash 1 injury

“I BELIEVE THAT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED MY ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS REVERSING SLOWLY OUT OF A STEEP DRIVEWAY. ONCE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE SO THAT I COULD SWITCH GEAR IN TO DRIVE. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT. THE BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO FAST, THAT WHAT STOPPED ME WAS HITTING A HORSE FENCE ACROSS THE STREET. I WAS GOING SO FAST, THAT I ENDED UP GOING AIRBORNE, AND ONLY DAMAGED THE TOP OF THE HORSE FENCE. MY FRONT PART OF MY CAR THEN FELL FORWARD AND BROKE THE TIE ROD IN HALF. I EN…”
NHTSA complaint #10884895, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY REAR LEFT BRAKE CALIPER STARTED SHOOTING OUT BRAKE FLUID FROM WITHIN THE MIDDLE. I HAVE AN ATE CALIPER. THIS COVERS MODELS FROM ABOUT 2006-2014. ON BIMMERFEST.COM, E90POST.COM, ETC . . . MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. ON ROCKAUTO, AUTOZONE, ETC . . . THE PREMIUM RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT IS TO GET A CALIPER FOR THE REAR THAT HAS NO PHENOLIC PISTON, YET, INSTEAD HAS A SOLID METAL PISTON. UNTO THE WORST, AT TIMES, THE PHENOLIC PISTON HAS EJECTED FROM THE CALIPER AND JAMMED THE BRAKE PADS TO THE VERY ROTORS. ATE CALIPERS ARE OFTEN USED AS SINGLE OR DUAL PIN BOOTED CALIPERS ON BENZ. THEY ALWA…”
NHTSA complaint #11325908, 2020 · crash

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (Air Bags), 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while accelerating from the vehicle idling, and turning left or right, the transmission hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesi…”
NHTSA complaint #11733200, 2026

Steering 5 2 crash 2 injury

“TAKATA RECALL ON DECEMBER 25, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. MY 2010 328I BMW SKIDDED OFF HWY 99 SOUTHBOUND GOING TOWARDS LAX. VEHICLE SKIDDED AS CAUSED BY THE BLACK ICE ON ROAD, RESULTING IN US CRASHING INTO THE LEFT GUARD RAIL. MY MOTHER AND I FELT THE ENTIRE IMPACT OF VEHICLE . I, AS THE DRIVER, HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CAUSING SEVERE WHIPLASH AND A SPRAINED NECK. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE, DUE TO IMPACT OF CRASH BEING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. ONCE CHP ARRIVED, MY CAR WAS TOWED OFF THE HWY. THE BMW'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME O…”
NHTSA complaint #10817288, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“MY REAR LEFT BRAKE CALIPER STARTED SHOOTING OUT BRAKE FLUID FROM WITHIN THE MIDDLE. I HAVE AN ATE CALIPER. THIS COVERS MODELS FROM ABOUT 2006-2014. ON BIMMERFEST.COM, E90POST.COM, ETC . . . MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. ON ROCKAUTO, AUTOZONE, ETC . . . THE PREMIUM RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT IS TO GET A CALIPER FOR THE REAR THAT HAS NO PHENOLIC PISTON, YET, INSTEAD HAS A SOLID METAL PISTON. UNTO THE WORST, AT TIMES, THE PHENOLIC PISTON HAS EJECTED FROM THE CALIPER AND JAMMED THE BRAKE PADS TO THE VERY ROTORS. ATE CALIPERS ARE OFTEN USED AS SINGLE OR DUAL PIN BOOTED CALIPERS ON BENZ. THEY ALWA…”
NHTSA complaint #11325908, 2020 · crash

“CAR IN GARAGE INSERTED KEY CAR DEAD. NOTHING WORKED. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DOWN. UNABLE TO OPEN TRUNK TO CHECK BATTERY.CALLED WRECKER SERVICE JUMP STARTED CAR INSTANTLY FROM UNDER HOOD.MECHANIC CHECKED CAR NO PROBLEMS FOUND. FOUND: PROBLEM BMW RECALL SAFETY UK . EXACT SAME PROBLEM SAYS CAR CAN SHUT DOWN IN MOTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11109984, 2018

Seats 4

“My vehicle's Passenger Restraint system has failed affecting the Airbag's deployment, seat belt tensioners, and other safety components. The car currently has warnings on the dashboard in the form of lights and as warning messages in the infotainment system. Lights/warnings appeared randomly while driving qith no prior symptoms. This fault puts the safety of any passengers in my vehicle in jeopardy in the event of a collision. Car is available for inspection at anytime to confirm faults.”
NHTSA complaint #11435318, 2021

“THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE AIRBAG. IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE PASSENGER HAS THEIR SEAT BELT ON. RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING AND IT STATES THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. I FEEL THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PROVIDE REPAPIRS FOR A SAFETY SYSTEM AT NO CHARGE. NOT SURE IF IT IS A BAD SENSOR OR WHAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND A PASSENGER IS SEATED WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON. DATE BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT INTO A BMW DEALERSHIP YET BECAUSE OVER THE PHONE, THEY SAID IT MAY COST ABOUT $1,400 TO FIX.”
NHTSA complaint #11277123, 2019

“VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH KEY ACTIVATED MEMORY SEATS. WAS USING SAME KEY FOB AS ALWAYS WHEN DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO MOVE BY ITSELF INTO VARIOUS POSITIONS, ALL WHILE AT TURNPIKE SPEED. WHEN IT FINALLY STOPPED, SEAT WAS RETURNED TO PRIOR POSITION BY DEPRESSING MEMORY BUTTON, BUT BEGAN TO MOVE AGAIN ON ITS OWN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THIS ISSUE HAS CONTINUED NOW FOR SEVERAL WEEKS EVEN JUST DRIVING AROUND TOWN. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS, BUT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU GO TO THE ONLINE FORUMS. THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663767, 2014

Visibility 4

“Around 3:30 pm driving south on I 25, 10 miles north of Trinidad, CO, the panorama sunroof blew out with a loud bang. I pulled over had a quick look, drove to Trinidad and vacuumed up the broken glass from inside the car and broke out small remaining pieces. I was driving around 77 mph the inside sun roof cover was open and the air vents were off.”
NHTSA complaint #11494902, 2022

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE HEAT ON, THE CENTER CONTROL PANEL BECAME VERY HOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE HEAT WAS ON AND FEARED THAT A FIRE COULD IGNITE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10373286, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO TRAFFIC, ALL WINDOWS CLOSED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FOLLOWED BY AN ABNORMAL CRACKING SOUND. HE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THEN NOTICED THERE WAS AN ENORMOUS HOLE IN THE SUNROOF AND SHATTERED GLASS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE IMPACTED THE WINDOW TO BREAK IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED SOMETHING HAD IMPACTED THE WINDOW TO CAUSE THE FAILURE. UPDATED EVOQ 08/03/10.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10343343, 2010

Visibility/Wiper 4

“SOME OF THE BMW FOOTWELL MODULE FOR THE E7X TO E9X MODELS CONTAINING A DEFECTIVE MICROCHIP THAT UPON JUMP-START OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY LEVEL IS LOW WOULD CORRUPT ITS MEMORY. WHEN CORRUPTION OCCURS, THE CAR WILL DISABLE TURNING SIGNAL BLINKERS, POWER WINDOWS, INTERNAL LIGHTS, AND MORE. THOSE AFFECTED FUNCTION WILL RENDER THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BMW HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER THE PART, BUT ONLY FOR OWNERS WHO RUN INTO THE PROBLEM (IE: JUMP-STARTED) WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME IS COVERED. I DID NOT REALIZE THIS INFAMOUS DEFECT UNTIL RECENTLY AND BMW FAILED TO INFORM ME OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11387038, 2020

“I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH, THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OR BEHIND ME AND NO BRIDGES ABOVE ME, ONCE I GOT TO AROUND 70MPH MY SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARDS WITH EXTREME FORCE FOR NO REASON, I COULD NOT FIND A ROCK OR GRAVEL AND I DO NOT BELIEVE GLASS WILL SHATTER OUTWARDS WHEN BROKEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.”
NHTSA complaint #11377570, 2020

“WHEN TIRE PRESSURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BEGINS TO FAIL, ITS RDC MODULE TAKES DOWN THE COMPLETE DASHBOARD MONITORING AND OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS. UPON FAILURE, THE RDC AFFECTS SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, RADIO, BLOWER, WIPERS, IDRIVE SYSTEMS. DRIVER HAS NO INDICATORS OF TURN SIGNALS OR LIGHTING (EVEN IF FUNCTIONAL) WITHIN THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THIS OCCURRED IN DRIVING SEQUENCE AS FIRST A SERIES OF FLASHES AND IDRIVE RESTARTS, THEN COMPLETE BLANKING OUT OF ALL DASHBOARD SYSTEMS. UPON ADVISEMENT OF REPAIR TECH, SIMPLE UNPLUG OF RDC CLEARS ALL DASHBOARD SYMPTOMS EXCEPT TPMS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR. A CA…”
NHTSA complaint #11001721, 2017

Tires 3

“TIRES WITH LARGE BUBBLES ON SEVERAL TIRES AFTER TIRE PURCHASE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10592626, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE 205/55/R16, DOT NUMBER: 1LT4 BXH62711. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES WOULD CONSISTENTLY LOOSE AIR AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000. UPDATED 11/17/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE THE DATE OF PURCHASE. SHE ALSO STATED THE TIRES MUST BE CHECKED ON…”
NHTSA complaint #10430693, 2010

“BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RUN FLAT TIRES CAUSE NOISE AND VIBRATION AFTER 7000KM ON A 2010 BMW 328IX. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10406802, 2010

Wheels 3

“BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE - DELIMITATION? NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING IN ARIZONA. TIRE APPEARS TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT TREAD LEFT AND STILL HOLDS AIR. SEE PHOTO.”
NHTSA complaint #11015385, 2017

“THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN MY CAR (BMW 328XI 2010). THIS ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN NOT BE FOUND EASILY. IT CAUSES MY CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING OR IT WILL NOT RESTART AFTER ONLY MINUTES AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE POWER LOSS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SHORT/ISSUE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING.”
NHTSA complaint #10953771, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AND HAD ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DELEAR WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEV…”
NHTSA complaint #10818589, 2014

Equipment 1

“HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT 2ND TIME IN 8 MONTHS. BRAND NEW CAR WAS LEASED IN MARCH 2010. FIRST HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WENT BAD AND WAS REPLACED IN JULY. THIS CAUSES A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. CAR SHUTS OFF AND ALL ELECTRONICS GO DEAD INCLUDING BREAK SYSTEM. I HAVE ALREADY COMPLAINED ONCE ABOUT BMW 335XI 2010 MODEL AND THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF ONLINE COMPLAINS AS WELL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10365867, 2010

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT CURLED UP AT FRONT AND WAS CAPTURED BY CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN CHANGING GEAR. WHEN CLUTCH WAS AGAIN ENGAGED, MAT WAS PULLED UP AND INTERFERED WITH SUBSEQUENT BRAKE OPERATION BEFORE FREEING ITSELF AND FALLING BACK ONTO FLOOR WELL. SINCE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, IT TOOK A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10509785, 2013

Suspension 1 1 crash

“MY REAR LEFT BRAKE CALIPER STARTED SHOOTING OUT BRAKE FLUID FROM WITHIN THE MIDDLE. I HAVE AN ATE CALIPER. THIS COVERS MODELS FROM ABOUT 2006-2014. ON BIMMERFEST.COM, E90POST.COM, ETC . . . MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. ON ROCKAUTO, AUTOZONE, ETC . . . THE PREMIUM RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT IS TO GET A CALIPER FOR THE REAR THAT HAS NO PHENOLIC PISTON, YET, INSTEAD HAS A SOLID METAL PISTON. UNTO THE WORST, AT TIMES, THE PHENOLIC PISTON HAS EJECTED FROM THE CALIPER AND JAMMED THE BRAKE PADS TO THE VERY ROTORS. ATE CALIPERS ARE OFTEN USED AS SINGLE OR DUAL PIN BOOTED CALIPERS ON BENZ. THEY ALWA…”
NHTSA complaint #11325908, 2020 · crash

Traction Control System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SYSTEMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10875327, 2016