VehicleVerdict

2010 BMW 135i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2010 BMW 135i carries two red flags at once: 16 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the 135i years to avoid.

16

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other 135i years?

135i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted62 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 62 complaints2009: 34 complaints2010: 16 complaints2011: 35 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 16 complaints
135i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 135i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 BMW 135i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System850%
Airbags213%
Electrical System213%
Other213%
Visibility & Wipers213%

Does the 2010 BMW 135i have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

19V579000Electrical SystemAugust 6, 2019 · 41,981 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.

Consequence

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

16V071000AirbagsFebruary 5, 2016 · 840,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

13V044000Electrical SystemFebruary 7, 2013 · 516,791 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequence

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2010 BMW 135. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS LOSING POWER IN THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP RUNNING, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SLOWS DOWN. THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE WHILE CHANGING LINES AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 31, 2010

“WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES CHATTERS AND DOES NOT CLEAR THE RAIN! ON 2010 BMW X6 VIN #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 8, 2011

“AT APPROX 70 MPH, "ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, POWER DECREASE" MESSAGE LIGHTS. VEHICLE COMES TO DEAD STOP DURING RUSH HOUR ON FL TURNPIKE. DRIVER PUTS ON FLASHERS. WATCHES REAR VIEW MIRROR AS DOZENS OF VEHICLES APPROACH. TWO CAR CRASH OCCURS BEHIND STALLED VEHICLE. DRIVER MUST EXIT CAR AND RUN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 2010 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL-- I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016 NOTIFYING ME OF THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. IT STATED THAT REPAIR TIME WAS UNKNOWN AS YET. I CALLED OUR LOCAL BMW DEALER, BMW OF COLUMBIA, COLUMBIA, SC, RECENTLY AND WAS TOLD NO REPAIR CAN BE SCHEDULED YET. I AM VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 15, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ACTIVATING THE REAR DEFROSTER, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DEFROSTER BURNED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 11, 2015

2010 BMW 135i — common questions

Is the 2010 BMW 135i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 16 complaints put the 2010 model at #5 of 7 135i years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the 135i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 135i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (8 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 2010 BMW 135i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 BMW 135i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 BMW 135i under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which BMW 135i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 135i years to avoid are 2008, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2010, 2013. The cleanest record among 135i years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.