Every 2010 BMW 1 Series recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 23V707000
Oct 20, 2023Engine and Engine Cooling:Engine
- 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.
Full recall details for 23V707000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 20V017000
Jan 15, 2020Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 20V017000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 16V071000
May 2, 2016Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full recall details for 16V071000 →Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 12E029000
Oct 8, 2012Engine and Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
- Problem
- This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
Full recall details for 12E029000 →
2010 BMW 1 Series complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW 1 Series. BMW has issued at least 65 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags4
- Electrical System1
- Engine and Engine Cooling1
- Exterior Lighting1
- Fuel/Propulsion System1
- Seats1
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (21)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (18)
- Equipment (9)
- Steering (8)
- Power Train (6)
- Fuel System, Gasoline (5)
Read BMW 1 Series owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2010 BMW 1 Series
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW 1 Series. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. DOES NOT DETECT PASSENGER. "AIRBAG OFF" IS ILLUMINATED WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT.”
2010 BMW 1 SERIESDec 4, 2017
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11052350
“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.”
2010 BMW 1 SERIESOct 20, 2017
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11035125
“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.”
2010 BMW 1 SERIESOct 26, 2015
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10785902
“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.”
2010 BMW 1 SERIESOct 26, 2014
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10650047
“THE TAIL LIGHTS AND 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAIL. THERE IS NO INDICATOR ON DASH THAT NOTIFIES OF SUCH FAILURE, CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.”
2010 BMW 1 SERIESOct 13, 2011
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10430050
Check your 1 Series by VIN
Not every 2010 BMW 1 Series is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
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