BMW 3 Series problems and complaints, 2010 to 2013

51 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls across 2 model years, 2010 to 2013. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.

51complaints
3recalls
3reported crashes
1reported fires
0reported injuries

Which BMW 3 Series years should you avoid?

We cover 2 model years of the BMW 3 Series, too few to say which stand out.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Injuries	Our read	Most reported
2013	21	0	2	0	Few red flags	Electrical system
2010	30	3	1	0	Few red flags	Airbags

Most reported problem areas

Share of the 30 complaints sorted by system, all years together.

Engine & powertrain10 (33%)
Airbags & seat belts8 (27%)
Other systems5 (17%)
Steering, suspension & tires3 (10%)
Electrical & infotainment2 (7%)

Recalls (3)

Engine · 23V707000 · Oct 2023 · model year 2010
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 22V119000 · Mar 2022 · model year 2010
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Engine · 12E029000 · Aug 2012 · model year 2010
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.