2 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2010 BMW 1 Series.
2
recalls
8
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2010 BMW 1 Series recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · reported October 20, 2023 · BMW of North America, LLC · 157,796 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
Seat belts: front, retractor
NHTSA campaign 10V254000 · reported June 10, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 31,935 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.
The risk
The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.
The fix
Vehicles produced up through december 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between january 2010 and may 2010 will receive a modification to the sound insulation near the units. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Air bags4
Electrical system1
Engine and engine cooling1
Exterior lighting1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Seats1
Vehicle speed control1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Dec 4, 2017 · Air bags · 93,000 miles
FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. DOES NOT DETECT PASSENGER. "AIRBAG OFF" IS ILLUMINATED WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT.
Oct 20, 2017 · Air bags
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW ADVISING THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND TO CONTACT MY LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THEM INSTALLED. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT DUE TO LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF PARTS, I COULD NOT HAVE THEM INSTALLED UNTIL MARCH 2018.
Jan 2, 2017 · Air bags
TAKATA RECALL
Oct 19, 2016 · Air bags
TAKATA RECALL
Oct 26, 2015 · Fuel/propulsion system · 40,000 miles
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER CAR ON THE FREE WAY AT NIGHT BY HER SELF AND IT WENT FROM 65 MILES TO HOUR TO 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THEN IT STOPPED. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOME AND MY WIFE WAS VERY SCARED. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MAG BMW IN DUBLIN OHIO. ONCE THERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD A GAS LEAK IN THE…
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 BMW 1 Series, the most recent reported on October 20, 2023 (Engine and engine cooling: engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 1 Series?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (4 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).
How many 2010 BMW 1 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 4, 2017.