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2010 Bmw X3 Engine Problems

23 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

23
Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Fires
Jan 2025Nov 2018
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #17V683000

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

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.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #23V707000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

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.

Owner Complaints (23)

mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the vehicle experienced a significant rough idle, and abnormal whistling and squealing sounds were coming from the engine while the contact was driving from the dealer parking lot. The contact drove back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the new PCV valve cover gasket had caused a vacuum leak. The dealer related the failure to the recall remedy. The dealer charged a fee for the repair. The contact declined to pay the fee because the recall repair was the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a failure before the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 119,940.

NHTSA #: 11634437
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly on several occasions. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11599274
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal rattling while the engine revved between 2000-3000 RPMs. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled on cold idles. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11593079
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 #: 11592184
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11591692
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 #: 11587895
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 stated that the vehicle had stalled and lost motive power while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11583220
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2024

BMW is not addressing this recall in a timely manner. The history makes me think they're intentionally stalling the process and allowing customer engines to fail, reducing repair loads on their service centers. This VANOS bolt issue has been well-known and wide-spread for over a decade (see [XXX] for example), and BMW has been selectively recalling very narrow ranges of engines over this period. Now, they are claiming that parts are unavailable for this recall issued in Oct 2023 - 6 months ago. When I called their corporate office, they claimed parts should be available "any day now. 7-10 at the most," with no further explanation. My engine could blow up on the road at any moment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11580368
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine And Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.  

NHTSA #: 11578638
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11564600
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11473691
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11467302
mediumENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2022

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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would not cover the repair of the vehicle under an extended warranty as the failure did not occur within 10 years of owning the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.

NHTSA #: 11466756
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2022

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 #: 11466373
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. 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 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 #: 11465002
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2022

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 #: 11464094
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2018

FOUND A BROKEN BOLT OF THE INTAKE CYLINDER HEAD, WAS BROKE WITHOUT ANY REASON. I NOT THE ONLY ONE, FOUND THIS VIDEO. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=A7HIZIB96PQ THERE ARE 3 MORE BOLTS INSIDE THE CYLINDER HEAD THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE ON THE ENGINE IF BROKEN.

NHTSA #: 11145232
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2018

TL* 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 CALLED BMW OF DALLAS AT 972-763-5528 (LOCATED AT 6200 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 11103059
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10782371
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2015

WHEN DRIVING ON PA-401, I APPROACHED STOP SIGN AT PA-82. MY SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, SLOWING TO MAKE A ROUTINE STOP. WHEN APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION AT LOW SPEED, I STARTED HEARING A PULSING THUMP FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. DROVE SLOWLY HOME AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A BMW DEALER. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE TWO ALUMINIUM ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR SNAPPED. THIS MEANT THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT PROPERLY FASTENED TO THE FRAME - A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS SHOULD NOT SNAP FOR NO REASON. AND BMW SHOULD COVER THEIR REPLACEMENT (PARTS AND LABOR) AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. (MY CAR WAS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED, SO I ONLY HAD A $50 OUT OF POCKET COST, BUT ONCE IT EXPIRES LATER THIS YEAR, MY COST WOULD HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER, NOT TO MENTION THE DANGER OF DRIVING A CAR WITH A BOUNCING, UNSECURED ENGINE)

NHTSA #: 10746023
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2015

ENGINE IGNITION COIL FAILED AND CAR STARTED TO SHAKE RENDERING IT UNABLE TO DRIVE. CAR IS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT IGNITION COIL FAILURES ARE A COMMON ISSUE ACROSS BMWS. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND I AM WONDERING WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL IN THE US. *TR

NHTSA #: 10692354
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
FireFiled: Sep 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HOOD OF VEHICLE WAS OPEN, HE OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE EMISSION VALVE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA #: 10639084
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jul 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE MUFFLER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA #: 10532937

Other 2010 Bmw X3 Issues