RoadVitals

2010 BMW 328XI

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.
17
Latest Jul 28, 2022
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.
3
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.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 BMW 328XI, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 113 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

  • Electrical725.0%
  • Engine621.4%
  • Airbags517.9%
  • Fuel system310.7%
  • Body & structure27.1%
  • Seat belts27.1%
  • Driver assistance13.6%
  • Brakes13.6%

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

3 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Oct 25, 2017
702,965 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328XI. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11476325
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328XI. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was overheating and the gauge was notifying the contact of the engine temperature moving from high to extremely high. The contact also stated there was black smoke coming from the engine and tailpipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 approximate failure mileage was 114,900. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11469586
Incident
Jun 4, 2022
Mileage
114,900 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 7, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMX 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT AND A POLICE OFFICER PUSHED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. AFTER WAITING 30 MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA ID
11406958
Incident
Mar 17, 2021
Mileage
96,000 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Oct 4, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SEAT BELT CHIME ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SOUNDED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO PASSENGER OCCUPYING THE SEAT. AFTER THE LAST INCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2018, THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE CHIME WAS BY ENGAGING THE LATCH ON THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINSLOW BMW OF COLORADO SPRINGS (5845 N NEVADA AVENUE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80918) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR MAT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ID
11133255
Incident
Sep 24, 2018
Mileage
109,000 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Jun 19, 2018

DUE TO HOT WEATHER CONDITION (>85F), IF THE CAR PARKS OUTSIDE MORE THAN 4 HOURS, THEN GO TO VEHICLE TO START VEHICLE, BOTH SEAT BELT LIGHT AND PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT ARE ON EVEN DURING DRIVING. BUT, AFTER PARKING VEHICLE OVERNIGHT OR WEATHER BELOW 70F, THERE IS NO ISSUE AT ALL. IT SEEMS LIKE THE SENSORS TO SENSITIVE THE HOT TEMPERATURE. IT IS SAFETY CRITICAL ISSUE AND HAD TO FIND OUT IN DEALER. BMW SAID TO ME IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS SENSOR SPECIFICATION ISSUE WHICH IS NOT HANDLE HIGH TEMPERATURE. BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE!

NHTSA ID
11102551
Incident
Jun 12, 2018
Mileage
90,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 26, 2018

I WAS NOTIFIIED BY SNAIL MAIL OF TWO RECALLS (17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING AND 17V: PCV VALVE HEATER) LAST NOVEMBER 2017 AND, AS OF TODAY, THEY HAVE NO REMEDIES... BOTH DEFECTS CAN CAUSE FIRES SO IT SEEMS SERIOUS. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING FINE BUT IT IS IN THE BACK OF MY MIND AND KEEPING ME FROM TAKING THE CAR ON AN EXTENDED TRIP. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HURRY BMW ALONG OR PROVIDE A STATUS?

NHTSA ID
11081208
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
Electrical
Filed Feb 20, 2018

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE FUSEBOX FAILED CAUSING A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. LUCKILY THE CAR WAS JUST PULLING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND IT WAS A CITY STREET. THIS APPARENTLY HAD BEEN REPLACED BEFORE UNDER A PREVIOUS NHTSA RECALL AND THE REPAIR DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CABLE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FUSE BOX APPARENTLY WASN'T. BOTH THE CABLE AND THE FUSE BOX WERE REPLACED THIS TIME IN HOPE THAT THIS WILL PERMANENTLY SOLVE THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11073756
Incident
Jan 28, 2018
Mileage
101,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 6, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OFF, THERE WAS A BUZZING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW KINGSTON IN NORTH CAROLINA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALLS, THEY WOULD REIMBURSE THE CONTACT LATER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11052852
Incident
Dec 6, 2017
Mileage
87,000 mi

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 328XI by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016411
2015142154.9
2014173156.0
2013272152.5
2012140
2011673053.2
2010Viewing173049.5
2009114047.6
2008993054.3
20071984049.3
2006530
2005003

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.