2010 BMW 328I problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW 328I, most often about engine. There are 6 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
80
Recalls
6
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Median mileage
120,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 61 of 80 complaints (76%).
  • Electrical System (15) and airbags (11) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 120,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2010 BMW 328I has 6 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 5th of 10 BMW 328I model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 45% more complaints than the 2009 model year (55).

2010 BMW 328I problems by category

  • 61 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    15 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    11 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine and engine cooling37
Engine24
Electrical system14
Air bags11
Unknown or other8
Fuel/propulsion system4
Visibility/wiper2
Exterior lighting1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k860k–100k15100k–150k12150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2010 BMW 328I complaints that list mileage.

2010 BMW 328I recalls (6)

  • Recall 24V513000Jul 3, 2024394,029 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 20V017000Jan 15, 202059,965 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V683000Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V676000Oct 25, 2017702,965 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 14V176000Apr 10, 2014156,137 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 13V044000Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

    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.

    Risk: 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 [email protected].

Recent 2010 BMW 328I complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 25, 2026MDEngine
    Total circus I’m dealing with over this Recall 23V-707 nightmare. The timeline is wild. Buckle up: Here is how the madness has gone down: On XXX I drop the car off at [XXX] under its own power under RO #XXX. On XXX I pick it up, drive 46 miles, and it instantly turns into a blender full of marbles, backfiring and throwing a check engine light. On XXX it gets towed to [XXX] under RO #436050, and I immediately ask for DME logs and get ghosted. On XXX [XXX] claims the recall is…
    NHTSA complaint #11759303 · source
  2. Filed Aug 18, 2026201,023 miOKElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 17V676000 (Electrical System), and 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer in June 2026. The contact later received a phone call on June 23, 2026, and was informed that the vehicle was ready to be retrieved. The contact went to the dealer; however, while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine…
    NHTSA complaint #11757670 · source
  3. Filed Jun 26, 2026TXElectrical System
    The vehicle constantly and increasingly exhibits the symptoms described in RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-044: REPAIR BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE, dated XXX , i.e., various electrical malfunctions, including flickering of the instrument cluster, and brief loss of engine power. However, VIN [XXX] is NOT included in this campaign. It appears that the next possibility, even though deemed "extremely isolated" by the recall, is that "the engine may shut off while driving, which leads to a loss…
    NHTSA complaint #11746698 · source
  4. Filed Jun 5, 2026WAEngine
    I am filing a formal complaint against BMW Seattle for violating federal recall remedy mandates under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. The vehicle was delivered for mandatory safety recall 23V-707 after an on-road mechanical shear of the covered VANOS bolts. The dealer has created illegal commercial barriers and failed to fully execute the federal remedy. First, the service department issued a written estimate for $4,405.67, claiming the CAS module and locks failed and required…
    NHTSA complaint #11742298 · source
  5. Filed Apr 23, 2026110,000 miCATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but the vehicle experienced the failure after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was initially diagnosed that the oil cap had failed. The dealer later informed the contact that…
    NHTSA complaint #11733290 · source
  6. Filed Apr 23, 2026MIAirbagsBrakesEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11733200 · source
  7. Filed Apr 23, 2026120,000 miMIElectrical System
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11733199 · source
  8. Filed Mar 12, 2026130,000 miCAEngine
    The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle was idling rough and occasionally, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was more frequent. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While the vehicle was idling, the RPM was fluctuating between 800 - 1,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and…
    NHTSA complaint #11723902 · source

Compare the 2010 BMW 328I with another vehicle →

Other 2010 BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology