At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator in certain replacement sport or M-sport steering wheels can explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module at no cost.
This page covers 4 recalls, 151 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 BMW 328i.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints about the 2010 BMW 328i center heavily on the engine. Owners frequently describe losing power while driving, rough idle, and fluctuating RPM at startup, often accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. These symptoms are reported as intermittent at first but tend to grow more frequent over time. The engine cooling system draws a similar volume of complaints, with owners reporting failures that can leave the car without reliable power. Airbag complaints make up the third-largest group, though the narratives in this set don't describe a single dominant symptom pattern for that system. The most consistent thread across this model year is the power-loss and rough-running behavior at idle, with RPM swings and warning lights being the most commonly described indicators.
151
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 BMW 328i has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's side airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two separate fire risks also affect this vehicle. The heater element inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit, causing internal components to melt and potentially start a fire even when the car is parked and off. Separately, the wiring and connectors that control airflow for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and melt, also raising the risk of a fire while the vehicle is unattended.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator in certain replacement sport or M-sport steering wheels can explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow in the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.