2010 BMW 3 Series Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 20%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2010 BMW 3 Series, 20% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on the highway 295 around 67 MPH. While I was on the highway about 10 minutes I felt a loss of speed about five times. It feel like I let go the gas pedal, but I never did. And suddenly the car stalled while I was on 67 MPH. I try to pulled to the right side lane of the highway. I try to start the car back up but it won't start. I keep tryin for about ten times and it about half an hour went by it start back up again.”
NHTSA complaint #10672035, filed 2015-01, 66,000 miles“When driving on pa-401, I approached stop sign at pa-82. My speed was approximately 40 MPH, slowing to make a routine stop. When approaching the intersection at low speed, I started hearing a pulsing thump from the passenger side of the car. Drove slowly home and had the car towed to a Bmw dealer. It turned out that the two aluminium engine mount bolts on the passenger side of the car snapped. This meant that the engine was not properly fastened to the frame - a very dangerous situation. Engine mount bolts should not snap for no reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746023, filed 2015-08, 68,000 miles“Engine ignition coil failed and car started to shake rendering it unable to drive. Car is towed to dealership who indicated that ignition coil failures are a common issue across bmws. There are recalls on this problem in european countries and I am wondering why there isn't a recall in the us.”
NHTSA complaint #10692354, filed 2015-03, 56,000 miles“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, filed 2014-09, 38,000 miles“Catalytic permanent failure-replace, 08may14, 30kmiles. Oxygen sensor replace, 16jun14, 30kmiles. Extreme carbon build up-walnut blast cylinders,clean intake&exhaust side, 23mar15, 35kmiles. Replace injector, 08apr15, 35k miles. Replace nox sensor, 17apr15, 29kmiles. Diesel active tank failure 28 sept 15, 37k miles. Catalytic converter failure-part on back order, 28sept15, 37kmiles. Dsc rear sensor failure,07dec15, 38k miles. Above engine and related emissions faults caused poor mileage and poor engine performance and expensive repairs, likely to be needed again-specifically walnut blasting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10816877, filed 2015-12Related service bulletins
- 11027015Dec 2, 2025Gasket Return
- 10057527Jan 1, 2015Bmw: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up is low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10057341Dec 1, 2014Bmw: malfunction warning light for engine is illuminated due to purge air system micro leakage and ventilation of fuel tank from contamination.
- 10045283Oct 1, 2014Bmw: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp is illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. *pe updated 10/31/12. *pe models 2010…
- 10051359Dec 1, 2012Bmw: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4b. Covered under the terms of the bmw new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | 33% |
| 2012 | 3 | 43% |
| 2010 | 6 | 20% |
| 2009 | 5 | 9% |
| 2008 | 13 | 19% |
| 2007 | 22 | 19% |
| 2006 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2010 BMW 3 Series
10 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology