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NHTSA model-year recall report

2010 BMW X3 Recalls

4 campaigns in our verified NHTSA snapshot, with source consequences, remedies, and VIN-specific next steps.

4

NHTSA campaigns

4

Affected systems

0

Urgent advisories

Oct 20, 2023

Latest campaign date

At a glance

What the record says

This model year's count is below the BMW X3 average of 5.6 campaigns per listed year. That is context only—not proof that this year is safer or less safe.

The most frequent affected category is Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module, appearing in 1 campaign.

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    Read

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  2. 2

    Verify

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  3. 3

    Repair

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Source campaign records

All 2010 BMW X3 recall campaigns

Shown newest first. NHTSA summary, consequence, and remedy text is preserved without truncation.

NHTSA campaign 23V707000

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Reported Oct 20, 2023

What is recalled

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.

Safety consequence

Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 20V017000

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Reported Jan 15, 2020

What is recalled

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.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 17V683000

Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Reported Oct 30, 2017

What is recalled

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 17V605000

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Reported Sep 28, 2017

What is recalled

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Safety consequence

Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

Other BMW X3 model years

Compare campaign histories within the same model. Counts are descriptive, not a safety grade.

View all model years

Other 2010 BMW recall reports

2010 BMW X3 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X3 have?

This verified dataset contains 4 NHTSA campaigns associated with the 2010 BMW X3. A campaign can apply to some, not all, vehicles of the same model year.

Does this confirm an open recall for my 2010 BMW X3?

No. This page is a model-year campaign history. Use NHTSA's official lookup or an authorized dealer to confirm whether a campaign applies to your exact VIN and whether the repair remains open.

Are vehicle recall repairs free?

When a safety recall campaign applies to your VIN, the manufacturer remedy is generally provided at no charge through an authorized dealer. Confirm eligibility and scheduling with the manufacturer or dealer.

Source: NHTSA. Dataset includes campaigns through Jul 30, 2026. Last processed Aug 8, 2026. Methodology