RoadVitals

2010 BMW 328I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
153
Latest Jun 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Jul 3, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 153 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 BMW 328I, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 128 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jul 3, 2024
394,029 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Oct 30, 2017
740,561 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Jun 26, 2026

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 of power steering assistance." BMW and NHTSA each state that the other is responsible for including VINs in a recall, yet I am the one at risk of crash. Do I need to seek legal action against both BMW and NHTSA to determine who is responsible for adding the VIN to the recall so BMW can eventually reimburse me for the needed repairs? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11746698
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2026

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 replacement to resolve a no-start condition. I challenged the repair on technical grounds and authorized a new battery and valid key only, the dealer admitted in writing that the electrical sync restored seamlessly and the engine started. They attempted to extract thousands for a functioning module before verifying the recall. Second, the VANOS bolts sheared resulting in certain valve-piston contact. The dealer claimed the engine passed a compression check but refused to provide raw ISTA diagnostic logs to verify this safety threshold. Instead, they demanded an additional out-of-pocket fee of $669.60 to re-perform a test they claimed to have completed, creating a commercial barrier to basic remedy verification. Third, the dealer demanded $2,136.69 to replace a compromised valve cover and PCV valve which functioned without issue pre-failure. Valve cover removal is required for vanos repair and requiring consumer expense for mandatory safety repair is legally prohibited. Indeed, Under BMW SIB 11 09 23, collateral damage must be routed through corporate TSARA, not the consumer. Fourth, the steel VANOS bolt heads sheared completely off. The official remedy mandates dropping the oil pan to locate and remove these fragments to prevent total oil pressure loss. Despite my repeated requests for verification of removal, nothing was provided, the car was inoperable, and I was advised that the recall repair was complete and the vehicle was in outdoor fenced lot awaiting arrangements for removal.

NHTSA ID
11742298
Incident
Jun 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2026

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 the camshaft solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11733290
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
Mileage
110,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesEngine
Filed Apr 23, 2026

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 hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle intermittently stalled, and the contact would release the accelerator pedal, depress the brake pedal, and allow the steering wheel failure to self-correct. The failures became more persistent. The ABS, check engine, X-Drive Fluid, ESC, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after adding fluid, the failure persisted. The driver's front seat air bag failed to activate intermittently while the driver's seat was occupied. The heating system occasionally failed to operate. The contact became aware of fluid under the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The certified mechanic recommended an oil change because the engine oil was dirty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact radiator was repaired to resolve the failure with the heating system, but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11733200
Incident
Mar 17, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 23, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11733199
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 12, 2026

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 determined that there was a failure with the VANOS valve timing system. The contact was informed that the VANOS valve timing system needed to be replaced. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that recalls were VIN-specific and that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID
11723902
Incident
Aug 18, 2025
Mileage
130,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11722638
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Engine
Filed May 8, 2025

A few months ago, I tried to get the above-referenced recall item taken care of at BMW of West Houston (Texas). I was told by the dealership service advisor that it would take at least two days to get the work done. The recall notice, of course, says the work should take about four hours. I was also told that in many cases the valve cover gets bent when performing this work and the cost of the replacement valve cover would be my responsibility. I was very disappointed of course. I don't think that I should pay for anything related to getting a safety recall taken care of. Safety recalls are very serious and for that reason I have sent the enclosed letter to BMW of North America I have also sent a letter to BMW of West Houston, 20822 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77449 expressing my disappointment. I am hopeful that I can get this recall, and the several other recalls this particularly car is subject to, taken care· of soon and without much drama. I would appreciate any guidance you can provide.

NHTSA ID
11659690
Incident
Apr 24, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B610322

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.

B340414

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

B110208

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 328I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016561158.8
20151244166.5
20141518268.5
20132575264.0
20121306155.4
20115737056.1
2010Viewing1536055.1
20091936056.0
20082395056.0
20073976053.3
2006030
2005010
2004010
2003010
2002010
2001430
20001127051.5
1999987056.2
1998260040.1
1997250038.9
1996310037.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.