There are 50 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2010 BMW 3 Seriesin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 BMW 328I. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,414. The contact stated that, while driving 25 MPH over a pothole, several systems in the vehicle unexpectedly reset; however, the speedometer had not reset. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been driven a whole lot. The mileage was reset to approximately 120,000 miles. The contact attempted to retrieve a Carfax Report for the vehicle and became aware that the most recent information on the VIN was posted by the seller. The contact called the seller. No other agencies were contacted.
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 of AMERICA and have gotten no traction or reasonable response. Now I'm having VANOS related issues, serious issues, but no recall listed?, even though the year and style and build date put it in parameters of SAFETY RECALL not just manufacture voluntary recall.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 335I. The vehicle was a custom-modified vehicle and a company mascot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact self-identified as an independent mechanic who wanted to be present when recall repair was performed; however, the contact preferred to have the recall disassociated with the VIN and to perform the recall repair himself. The local dealer was contacted and declined the contact to be present during the recall remedy process. The manufacturer was contacted, but the contact was advised that the request was denied. In addition, the contact was not advised on the recall reimbursement process. The contact wished to perform the recall repair himself and be granted reimbursement. The contact had not experienced a failure.
RECALL 17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING was preformed several years ago. Today the wiring connection added during the recall work failed and the blower motor stopped working.
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 car in August of 2022. An we have never received anything in the mail stating it had a recall. There was no warning lamps or anything.
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. No police report was filed. No fire report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it remained. The failure had not been diagnosed. After investigating the issue, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V314000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
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 apartment complex managers asking them not to do it. I’ve been trying to contact the BMW dealer and ask them what my next step is and getting it fixed as there is an active Recall on it because of the PCV valve not being up to specifications and could cause a short and “an extremely rare cases can you catch fire. Which unfortunately happen to be my luck. The car is still in Lacey Washington and I don’t know whether to get it towed to the dealer in Tacoma Washington being that the guy on the phone was a complete a******* and told me to not get it towed there that they’re just going to get it towed out of there. At this point I do not know what to do but I need help in expressing the amount of Beyond safe and liability on this recall through BMW to
Have been made aware recently a recall has been required on my vehicle although no remedy is available yet. PCV Crankcase Valve is defective which can cause several issues with vehicle...after learning this my car was having issues cranking and not starting, thinking it was the battery I had it replaced and still to no avail..replaced fuel pump thinking it may be a fuel issue and now no power..battery chargers get extremely hot when trying to charge car...B+ Battery Cable has been recalled in the past although I did not own this vehicle when BMW was mad aware in 2011, and my vehicle is a 2010! So many recalls, defective components with fuel related issues and electrical problems that can leave owners stranded. I have been lucky my car is at my home, although I now have to rely on others for transportation now....
Had my car checked at the dealer to confirm PCV heater issue (22V-119) after smelling burning plastic while driving in cold weather. I was told nothing was wrong and I need several different repairs totaling nearly $2000. Car overheated with a failed water pump days later. Dealer is outright refusing to provide any resolution outside of paying out of pocket for towing, repair, and rental.
After running errands and car had been parked for an hour or so, I returned to my vehicle and it would crank but would not start. After trying to start a few times it finally started and I was able to make it home without having to call a tow truck (Or being abandoned in a mall parking lot in the middle of the night). My car drove fine the next day, after driving for about an hour I parked at my parents home during a visit that lasted an hour or so. When returning to my vehicle to leave the same thing happened as before. It would crank but would not start. It took a few tries to start and then it ran fine and I was able to make it home with no issue. It started okay the following day and I was able to drive to and from work (approx. 8 miles). After parking over night I went to start vehicle and it would not start at all. It would crank but would not start. I had the battery replaced thinking it was an old battery (2010 vehicle) this would still not work, the car was also not able to be jumped from the engine compartment, may have something to do with the battery lines or fuel pump?Previous recall? I did not own this vehicle prior to 2018 so I am not sure if this could be the issue? Or properly repaired previous recall? recently APRIL 2022 Recall-PCV Valve Heater.The recall information claims that it is only activated in "cold weather climates" and that it may not have been produced to specifications by the supplier. Over time this could lead to overheating in the engine compartment. In some cases, this could lead to fire! This recall's remedy is unavailable at this time which is extremely concerning. I am actually scared to attempt to continue to inspect, as this recall can cause a fire. If this was a recall regarding windows, or windshield wipers that would be a little easier to deal with, but fires! The recall info requested drivers and passengers to dial 911 and immediately move to a safe location away from traffic if you see smoke/funny smell no remedy availabl
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 THIS ISSUE PROACTIVELY. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER I READ HUNDREDS OF ARTICLES ONLINE, THIS IS A PART THAT WARRANTS A BRODER RECALL.
I STARTED OVERHEATING AND LOOSING ALOT A POWER
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. THE CONNECTION OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AT THE FUSE BOX TERMINAL MAY DEGRADE, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. CONSEQUENCE: A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR
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
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.
CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND BURST INTO FLAMES 5 MINUTES AFTER PARKING IT. TOTALLY DESTROYED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF SILVER SPRING (LOCATED AT 3211 AUTOMOBILE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, (888) 295-2096) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING, AND THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND WAS MIXING WITH THE OIL, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TENDS TO ROT OVERTIME IN THESE CARS WHICH THEN LEADS TO BARE COPPER WIRES MAKING CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER AND ENDS UP CAUSING A SHORT AND BLOWING THE BULB. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, NOT ONLY FOR VISIBILITY BUT FOR FIRE PREVENTION AS WELL. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN A LOT OF BMW'S AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS VERY CHALLENGING TO DO SO. I TOOK A LOOK AT THIS AS MY HEADLIGHT BULB BLEW LAST WEEK WHILE ON THE ROAD. LIKE I HAD MENTIONED EARLIER, THIS IS PRETTY COMMON AND IS EVEN OCCURRING IN THEIR NEWER MODELS. THE INSULATION OVER THE WIRING JUST FLAKES OFF AND THE DEALERSHIPS SHOW NO CARE WHEN THE ISSUE IS BROUGHT UP.
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.
1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: My motor/engine gave out on me. No the vehicle is not available due to the fact that it was towed and too expensive for me to take out of the impound. My vehicle was then taken from me since I couldn’t pay to have it taken out ! 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: I was put at risk by being broken down on the side of the turnpike/highway in my state for over an hour without a cell phone to call for help. I had no choice but to accept a ride from a stranger, putting my life at jeopardy for a second time 3.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ANSWER: Im not familiar with the details of this question. But yes the dealer was made aware 4.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ANSWER: The car was brought to a bmw dealership where nothing was done to resolve the problem Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ANSWER: YES
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026