Model-year record

2010 BMW X3
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
85
Reports to NHTSA, 2010
Safety recalls
4
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
19.5
EPA estimate
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (36% of 85 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (18%).
+ 8 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 85 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10702037, ODI 10984723, ODI 10926525, ODI 11176210, ODI 11019259.
Individual complaint reports(85)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsEngine And Engine CoolingJan 2025 · ODI 11634437Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the vehicle experienced a significant rough idle, and abnormal whistling and squealing sounds were coming from the engine while the contact was driving from the dealer parking lot. The contact drove back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the new PCV valve cover gasket had caused a vacuum leak. The dealer related the failure to the recall remedy. The dealer charged a fee for the repair. The contact declined to pay the fee because the recall repair was the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a failure before the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 119,940.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2024 · ODI 11599274Details +Close −
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. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly on several occasions. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2024 · ODI 11593079Details +Close −
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. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal rattling while the engine revved between 2000-3000 RPMs. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled on cold idles. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2024 · ODI 11592184Details +Close −
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. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingMay 2024 · ODI 11591692Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. 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. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingMay 2024 · ODI 11587895Details +Close −
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. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingApr 2024 · ODI 11583220Details +Close −
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. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled and lost motive power while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Apr 2024
- Incident date
- Mar 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineApr 2024 · ODI 11580368Details +Close −
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. This VANOS bolt issue has been well-known and wide-spread for over a decade (see [XXX] for example), and BMW has been selectively recalling very narrow ranges of engines over this period. Now, they are claiming that parts are unavailable for this recall issued in Oct 2023 - 6 months ago. When I called their corporate office, they claimed parts should be available "any day now. 7-10 at the most," with no further explanation. My engine could blow up on the road at any moment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Apr 2024
- Incident date
- Oct 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2024 · ODI 11578638Details +Close −
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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Oct 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2024 · ODI 11564600Details +Close −
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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jan 2024
- Incident date
- Jan 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2022 · ODI 11473691Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jul 2022
- Incident date
- Jul 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2022 · ODI 11473412Details +Close −
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER: This recall involves an engine component known as the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater. The PCV valve heater may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. Safety Risk: Should a short circuit occur, the PCV valve heater could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly start melting. In extremely rare cases, this could increase the risk of a fire. The recall has been going on for six months and still as of today there is no remedy. I refuse to drive a vehicle that I'm currently still paying for or put myself and family at risk at the expense of the manufacture causing this issue and not having a solution for such a long time period.
- Reported
- Jul 2022
- Incident date
- Feb 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2022 · ODI 11467302Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jun 2022
- Incident date
- Mar 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2022 · ODI 11466756Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal sounds intensified while depressing the accelerator pedal and would stop when the vehicle was idling. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there were bolts missing from the camshaft and in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would not cover the repair of the vehicle under an extended warranty as the failure did not occur within 10 years of owning the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.
- Reported
- May 2022
- Incident date
- May 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2022 · ODI 11466373Details +Close −
Since purchasing the vehicle (prior to the March 2022) recall, I have smelled a burning smell coming from the engine. I have spent thousands of dollars attempting to get rid of the smell. Come to find out it is due to the PCV valve. I have contacted BMW who informed me that there is a "RUMOR" that the remedy is in the works. A rumor? A neighbor who also owns/owned a BMW had their vehicle blow up in the driveway. I am VERY concerned for my safety and BMW has offered no help.
- Reported
- May 2022
- Incident date
- Mar 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingMay 2022 · ODI 11465002Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- May 2022
- Incident date
- Mar 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2022 · ODI 11464094Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking an unknown fluid from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Reported
- May 2022
- Incident date
- Feb 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2022 · ODI 11455946 · fireDetails +Close −
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 wouldn’t stop. Finally slammed in park. Car was totaled.
- Reported
- Mar 2022
- Incident date
- May 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
SeatsJan 2021 · ODI 11388736 · fireDetails +Close −
THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTION. THE SEAT OVER HEATED AND A HOLE WAS CREATED AS A RESULT OF BURN ON TOP OF THE COIL.
- Reported
- Jan 2021
- Incident date
- Dec 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
Air BagsMar 2019 · ODI 11184488Details +Close −
I HAVE A 2010 BMW X3 THAT NEEDS A RIGHT FRONT SEAT MAT TO CORRECT AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ON. DEALER TOLD ME PART IS ON ORDER AND NO PERSON SHOULD SIT IN PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL REPAIRED. WILL IT IS ALL MOST 1 YEAR WAITING ON SEAT MAT.(I HAD A RECALL FOR TAKATA AIR BAG ON STEERING WHEEL REPLACED. WITCH WAS DONE FASTER THAN THIS SEAT MAT.) I NEED TO KNOW HOW LONG BMW HAS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM???
- Reported
- Mar 2019
- Incident date
- May 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringFeb 2019 · ODI 11181959Details +Close −
WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. WE WERE UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP/MOTOR AND RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,600. UPON INSPECTION NHTSA HAS 3 INCIDENTS OF THIS OCCURRING IN THE SAME VEHICLE. A BEIEF ONLINE SEARCH INDICATED MANY BMW X3 OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
- Reported
- Feb 2019
- Incident date
- Feb 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringFeb 2019 · ODI 11176512Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP/MOTOR AND RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,600.
- Reported
- Feb 2019
- Incident date
- Feb 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsFeb 2019 · ODI 11176210Details +Close −
AIR BAG LIGHT JUST CAME ON, HAD IT CHECKED BUT STILL THERE
- Reported
- Feb 2019
- Incident date
- Feb 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsDec 2018 · ODI 11161058Details +Close −
I HAVE A RECALL ON PASSENGERS SEAT MAT REPLACE. HOW LONG DOES BMW HAVE TO REPLACE PART???CAR WAS CHECKED ON 5/31/2018 AND MAT ORDERED. AS OF TODAY 12/12/2018 THERE IS NO PART AND NO ONE CAN SEAT IN RIGHT FRONT SEATB UNTILL REPAIR IS MADE, THIS IS BS!!!!!! THAT IT IS TAKING THIS LONG AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Reported
- Dec 2018
- Incident date
- May 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsDec 2018 · ODI 11155648Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Dec 2018
- Incident date
- Jan 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2018 · ODI 11153127Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FLICKERED. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF MANHATTAN (67 WALL ST, NEW YORK, NY, (212) 586-6464) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT REQUESTED A RENTAL VEHICLE, BUT THE REQUEST WAS DENIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Sep 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemNov 2018 · ODI 11149489Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BEVERLY HILLS BMW (5070 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90036, (877) 794-4678) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CUSTOMER NUMBER: 622363. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAG, 4X4, AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT UPDATED 12/20/18*JB
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Jan 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2018 · ODI 11145232Details +Close −
FOUND A BROKEN BOLT OF THE INTAKE CYLINDER HEAD, WAS BROKE WITHOUT ANY REASON. I NOT THE ONLY ONE, FOUND THIS VIDEO. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=A7HIZIB96PQ THERE ARE 3 MORE BOLTS INSIDE THE CYLINDER HEAD THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE ON THE ENGINE IF BROKEN.
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Nov 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemOct 2018 · ODI 11133391Details +Close −
ON MAY 31 2018 I TOOK MY X3 IN TO ROSEVILLE BMW FOR AIR BAG RECALL #B651617 PASSENGER SIDE SEAT MAT THEY TOLD MW PART ON ORDER AND DO NOT HAVE ANY PERSON SEATING IN THAT SEAT UBTILL RECALL IS COMPLEITED. IT IS NOW OCT 4 2018 AND NO REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE. I JUST GOT 2 MORE RECALL NOTICES FROM ROSEVILLE BMW STATING TO CALL THEM ABOUT RECALL #B651617 PAAS SEAT MAT. SO I CALLED SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME NO PARTS HAVE COME IN AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WILL BE SHIPPED!!!!!, ALSO ON ANOTHER NOTE ON THIS X3 I HAVE ALSO REPLACED WINDOW REGULATORS ALL 4 AND NOW BOTH REAR REGULATORS BROKE AGAIN #5 AND #6 THAT IS NOT CHEAP WHY??????
- Reported
- Oct 2018
- Incident date
- May 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemSep 2018 · ODI 11132144Details +Close −
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.
- Reported
- Sep 2018
- Incident date
- Sep 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemAug 2018 · ODI 11119313Details +Close −
TOO LONG TO REMEDY
- Reported
- Aug 2018
- Incident date
- Aug 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2018 · ODI 11103059Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF DALLAS AT 972-763-5528 (LOCATED AT 6200 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Jun 2018
- Incident date
- Sep 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2018 · ODI 11099988Details +Close −
IN NOVEMBER 2017, BMW SENT ME LETTERS REGARDING POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARDS DUE TO DEFECTS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING AND THE PCV VALVE HEATER (RECALL NUMBERS 17V-676 AND 17V-683). NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND NO REPAIR OFFERED TO CORRECT POSSIBLE DEFECTS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED NO PROBLEM RELATED TO THESE PARTS. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THESE ISSUES, BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL AND REPAIR AFFECTED CARS PROMPTLY.
- Reported
- Jun 2018
- Incident date
- Jun 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
StructureMay 2018 · ODI 11091547 · fireDetails +Close −
IN MOTION WHEN IT STARTED SMOKING. STATIONARY WHEN IT WENT UP IN FLAMES
- Reported
- May 2018
- Incident date
- Apr 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
Air BagsNov 2017 · ODI 11048031Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST FOR YEARS AND THE DEALER NEVER SEEMS TO HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE.
- Reported
- Nov 2017
- Incident date
- Feb 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsOct 2017 · ODI 11039906Details +Close −
TAKATA AIRBAG
- Reported
- Oct 2017
- Incident date
- Oct 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2017 · ODI 11019259Details +Close −
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL
- Reported
- Aug 2017
- Incident date
- Jan 2010
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2017 · ODI 11016386Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT LETTER.
- Reported
- Aug 2017
- Incident date
- Aug 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsAug 2017 · ODI 11015385Details +Close −
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.
- Reported
- Aug 2017
- Incident date
- Aug 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2017 · ODI 11013373Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY AIRBAG TO BE REPLACED.
- Reported
- Aug 2017
- Incident date
- Aug 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemAug 2017 · ODI 11013535Details +Close −
FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS. KNOWN PROBLEM AT BMW AND MECHANICS. BMW HAS OFFERED AN "LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION". WHY WASN'T IT A FULL RECALL? MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I'M REPORTING IT ONLY AS A CONCERN.
- Reported
- Aug 2017
- Incident date
- Aug 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2017 · ODI 11011823Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER IN JUNE OF 2017. THE DEALER (ADVANTAGE BMW MIDTOWN, 1305 GRAY ST, HOUSTON, TX, 77002) WAS CONTACTED AT 713-289-1200 ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED NOT TO CONTACT THEM ANY MORE AND THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM. THE DEALER ASKED THE CONTACT IF HE RECEIVED HIS SECONDARY LETTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY EMAIL, BUT HAD NOT YET REPLIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ..UPDATED 08/17/18 *BF UPDATED 12/1/2017*JS
- Reported
- Jul 2017
- Incident date
- Jun 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2017 · ODI 11006134Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED IN FEBRUARY 2016. IT IS NOW ALMOST AUGUST 2017. 18 MONTHS FOR A SAFETY RECALL IS BEYOND REASONABLE TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.
- Reported
- Jul 2017
- Incident date
- Jul 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2017 · ODI 11005482Details +Close −
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. FIRST TIME REPAIR WAS MADE UNDER CPO WARRANTY WITH ~39K MILES. SECOND REPAIR MADE FOR $750 (CPO WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED). SECOND REGULATOR FAILED AFTER LESS THAN 10K MILES, AND ONLY 22 MONTHS, FROM FIRST FAILURE. BMW SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAYS "IT HAPPENS." BMW DOES NOT HONOR THEIR 2-YR PARTS WARRANTY FOR PARTS REPLACED WHEN REPAIR IS DONE UNDER WARRANTY (AND THENCE EXPIRED). THE WINDOW REGULATOR(S) APPEAR TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN TO BREAK SO FREQUENTLY. THE ACTUAL FAILURE APPEARS TO BE WITH THE "WINDOW REGULATOR DRIVING DOG"(ABOUT A $10 PART IF PURCHASED ONLINE) AND A TINY PLASTIC PIECE BREAKS OFF.
- Reported
- Jul 2017
- Incident date
- Jun 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2017 · ODI 10995600Details +Close −
IT'S BEEN 17 MONTHS AND BMW NA HAS NOT MOVED ON REPAIRING MY CAR.
- Reported
- Jun 2017
- Incident date
- Jun 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2017 · ODI 10990524Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL.
- Reported
- May 2017
- Incident date
- May 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2017 · ODI 10984723 · crashDetails +Close −
I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 2 YEARS WITH DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS (FRONT). I HAVE RECEIVED MANY NOTICES ABOUT THIS BUT NO RESULTS. THE FIRST NOTICE SAID "IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG, EXCESSIVE IONTERNAL PRESSURE COULD CAUSE RUPTURING OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, RESULTING IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE DRIVER OR OTHER PASSENGERS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY!!!!!! I HAVE ADVISED MY ATTORNEY OF THIS RECALL ( OVER 2 YEARS) IN CASE I AM KILLED BY THIS DEFECTIVE AIR BAG.
- Reported
- May 2017
- Incident date
- Mar 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Air BagsApr 2017 · ODI 10981248Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/25/17*LJ *AS
- Reported
- Apr 2017
- Incident date
- Mar 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsApr 2017 · ODI 10978577Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MORE THAN TWO DEALERS, BUT A SPECIFIC DATE COULD NOT BE PROVIDED FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/01/17*LJ *CN
- Reported
- Apr 2017
- Incident date
- Feb 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2017 · ODI 10959591Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
- Reported
- Mar 2017
- Incident date
- Mar 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls(4)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Air Bags · 17V605000Details +Close −
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
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. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Engine And Engine Cooling · 17V683000Details +Close −
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air Bags · 20V017000Details +Close −
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Engine And Engine Cooling · 23V707000Details +Close −
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, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2010 BMW X3 4-DR w/SAB NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 xDrive30i | 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| X3 xDrive30i | 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 24 | 19 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2010 BMW X3: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2010 BMW X3?
Owners filed 85 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 BMW X3. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2010 BMW X3?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (36% of complaints) and engine and engine cooling (18%).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X3 have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2010 BMW X3, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW X3 get?
The EPA rates the 2010 BMW X3 between 19 and 20 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.