2010 Bmw 328I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
155 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
97,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2010 model year. Data snapshot: . 83 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 48 of 155 complaints (31.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 28 | 18.1% |
| Engine operation | 26 | 16.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 9 | 5.8% |
| Steering behavior | 6 | 3.9% |
| Braking behavior | 5 | 3.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 1.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 48 |
| Air Bags | 42 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 38 |
| Electrical System | 35 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 5 |
Engine: 48; Air Bags: 42; Engine And Engine Cooling: 38; Electrical System: 35; Unknown Or Other: 12; Fuel/Propulsion System: 7; Exterior Lighting: 6; Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 13 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 11 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 17 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 29 |
| 150,000 and above | 12 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 17; 100,000 to 149,999: 29; 150,000 and above: 12
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (29). 72 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 9 |
2012: 1; 2013: 3; 2014: 6; 2015: 4; 2016: 13; 2017: 18; 2018: 25; 2019: 5; 2020: 7; 2021: 4; 2022: 20; 2023: 8; 2024: 29; 2025: 3; 2026: 9
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 28 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 26 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10471961 · 2012-08-22 (August 22, 2012)
REAR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL MULFUNCTION TURNED ON FOR A FEW MIN. SIGNAL ALSO STARTED BLINKING EXTREAMLY FAST. HEAD LIGHT MALFUNCTION ALARM TURNED ON FOR A FEW MIN.HEAD LIGHTS WOULDN'T TURN WITH STEARING WHEEL. PASANGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ALARM TURNED ON WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. AFTER DRIVING 20 MILES AND TURNING THE CAR OFF IT CLEARED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10471961 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10525450 · 2013-07-11 (July 11, 2013)
(INCIDENT #1) I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY 2010 328I REPLACEMENT VEHICLE (INITIALLY PURCHASED 2009, BECAUSE OF WATER LEAKAGE BMW REPLACED 2009 WITH CURRENT 2010) HARDTOP, INITIALLY REPORTING SLIPPAGE OUTSIDE OF THE HARDTOP OF RUBBER TRIM HANGING OUT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP (SEALS) AT APPROX 17K MILES EARLY MAY 2012. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE " HARDTOP ROOF SEALS WERE DEFECTIVE. SEALS WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED AT APPROX 18K MILES AFTER A TWO WEEK WAIT TO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT PARTS ORDERED FROM THE ONLY SUPPLIER I…
Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10525450 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10541978 · 2013-09-05 (September 5, 2013)
THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT IS MALFUNCTIONING WHERE NOT ALL THE LEDS ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKING OR USING THE TURN SIGNAL. THE TURNING SIGNAL ALSO OPERATES VERY RAPIDLY. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY SO I CALLED BMW N.A. WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AT ALL. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT OF THE CAR THAT IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE, ITS COST IS EXPENSIVE AND SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THREE YEARS. SINCE IT IS AN LED TYPE LIGHT, THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS THERE ARE NO STANDARD BULBS THAT CAN BE …
Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10541978 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10547643 · 2013-10-11 (October 11, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THE THE TAIL-LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILLIGHT HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER REPLACED THE TAILLIGHT HARNESS BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547643 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10583503 · 2014-04-18 (April 18, 2014)
RECALL NOTICE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION - CAMPAIGN # 13V044000 - VEHICLE SERVICE HISTORY BY OWNER #1 4/12/10 TO 2/11/2013; 08/02/11 SERVICED FOR FUEL FILLER CAP/FUEL TANK LEAKING; 2/8/12 SERVICED FOR AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE/SAFETY ELECTRONICS SOFTWARE ERROR/INTERNAL DEVICE FAULT; 5/16/12 SERVICED FOR ROOF FUNCTIONS CENTRE FZD PERMANENT MALFUNCTION'; 06/15/12 SERVICED TIRE CONDITION AND PRESSURE MILEAGE 28,151 MILES; OWNER #2: 4/12/13-3/4/13 CAR IS PURCHASED; 4/12/13 RECALL BATTERY CABLE, DEFECT CODE 0061760300; 10/24/13 SERVI…
Owner-reported narrative. 34,951 miles reported. Look up ODI 10583503 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10592626 · 2014-05-20 (May 20, 2014)
TIRES WITH LARGE BUBBLES ON SEVERAL TIRES AFTER TIRE PURCHASE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10592626 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10598742 · 2014-06-17 (June 17, 2014)
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 MO…
Owner-reported narrative. 49,973 miles reported. Look up ODI 10598742 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10627505 · 2014-08-22 (August 22, 2014)
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTE CAMPAIGN NO. 14V-176 VANOS ASSEMBLY BOLTS ON MY 2010 BMW 328I IN JUNE. IT IS NOW THE END OF AUGUST AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT REPAIRS. THE NEAREST GARAGE HASN'T THE PARTS AND SAYS NOTHING OF THE SAFETY OF MY FAULTY VEHICLE OR WHEN PARTS MAY APPEAR. I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR. I NEED TO USE IT, BUT THE LETTER SAYS IT CAN CAUSE A CRASH. HOW LONG WILL THIS CRAP GO ON? I TRIED TO CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE OVER A WEEK AGO.....NO RESPONSE. I TRIED TO CALL THE VEHICLE SAFETY OFFICE AT FED GOV…
Owner-reported narrative. 39,520 miles reported. Look up ODI 10627505 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System
Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 7, 2013)
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Reported: 2014-04-10 (April 10, 2014)
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 Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V676000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2017-10-25 (October 25, 2017)
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. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)
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. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V017000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)
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, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V513000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module | Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2024-07-03 (July 3, 2024)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗