2010 BMW X3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 19%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2010 BMW X3, 19% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,250 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11455946, filed 2022-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11466373, filed 2022-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11464094, filed 2022-05, 80,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11466756, filed 2022-05, 102,500 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11155648, filed 2018-12Related service bulletins
- 11027015Dec 2, 2025Gasket Return
- 10162416Jul 9, 2019"Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME. The ""Service Engine Soon"" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine…
- 10151300May 1, 2016N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10149277Oct 1, 2014Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 4 | 27% |
| 2022 | 11 | 13% |
| 2021 | 23 | 20% |
| 2020 | 26 | 24% |
| 2019 | 35 | 20% |
| 2018 | 16 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 13 | 16% |
| 2015 | 29 | 28% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 147 | 65% |
| 2012 | 8 | 19% |
| 2011 | 31 | 27% |
| 2010 | 6 | 19% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 24% |
| 2007 | 25 | 26% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2010 BMW X3
14 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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