2010 BMW 1 Series recalls and problems

The 2010 BMW 1 Series has 2 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 BMW 1 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 BMW 1 Series recalls

Recall 23V-707: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 20, 2023 · 157,796 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

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

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.

Recall 10V-254: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 10, 2010 · 31,935 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

Risk: The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.

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.

2010 BMW 1 Series problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Electrical System	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Seats	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 BMW 1 Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 93,000 miles · reported Dec 4, 2017

Failed passenger seat occupancy sensor. Does not detect passenger. "airbag off" is illuminated when passenger is present.

Air Bags · reported Oct 20, 2017

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 40,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2015

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 inside of the fuel tank that is causing the car to loose power and that is why it stopped. I was told by the service person that it would cost me $3000 to get it repaired. I was also told that bmw does not use that fuel tank anymore so I would have to replace the fuel pump also. I…

Electrical System · reported Oct 26, 2014

Radio not always going on when turned on or turning off by itself or changing stations. Ongoing problem. Brought to dealer who had me wait for over 5 hrs. For the "controller" to be changed. Problem continued along with one occasion of loud buzzing coming from rear of vehicle. Brought to attention of dealer several times when in for servicing but was told there was no problem. Discovered only too late that I was beyond the time of filing a complaint under the lemon law. Brought vehicle it to dealer for appraisal and possible "buy back" but was offered only about half its value. Now I AM…

Exterior Lighting · at 10,000 miles · reported Oct 13, 2011

The tail lights and 3rd brake light fail. There is no indicator on dash that notifies of such failure, creates a very dangerous situation.

Other BMW 1 Series years

2012 201120102009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Compare all BMW 1 Series years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 BMW 1 Series: 23V-707 (engine and engine cooling), 10V-254 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 BMW 1 Series?

Owners report air bags problems most often (4 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.