VehicleVerdict

2010 BMW 335i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2010 BMW 335i sits mid-pack among 335i years: 58 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 45, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (13), electrical system (12), and engine (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

58

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other 335i years?

335i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted388 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 388 complaints2008: 276 complaints2009: 127 complaints2010: 58 complaints2011: 136 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 69 complaints2014: 31 complaints2015: 16 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 0 complaints
335i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 335i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 BMW 335i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1322%
Electrical System1221%
Engine916%
Fuel System814%
Lighting47%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Other23%
Steering23%
Brakes23%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2010 BMW 335i have recalls?

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

24V513000AirbagsJuly 3, 2024 · 394,029 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

17V676000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2017 · 702,965 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR, SLOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHERE MY VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT BOTH FRONT PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SUFFERED PARTIAL HEARING LOSS AS A RESULT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 30, 2016 · crash

CAR IN GARAGE INSERTED KEY CAR DEAD. NOTHING WORKED. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DOWN. UNABLE TO OPEN TRUNK TO CHECK BATTERY.CALLED WRECKER SERVICE JUMP STARTED CAR INSTANTLY FROM UNDER HOOD.MECHANIC CHECKED CAR NO PROBLEMS FOUND. FOUND: PROBLEM BMW RECALL SAFETY UK . EXACT SAME PROBLEM SAYS CAR CAN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 6, 2018

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR CAME ON. POWER WAS SUDDENLY REDUCED TO LESS THAN 35MPH. THIS WARRANTED AN IMMEDIATE MOVE TO THE SLOW LANE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO GO SEVERAL MILES UNTIL IT WAS SAFE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO ATTEMPT A RESTART. RESTART DID NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 23, 2010

THE FUEL INJECTOR FOR MY 2010 BMW 335I DIED AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 14 DAYS. THE VEHICLE WILL STILL DRIVE, BUT IF YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE, IT SHAKES VERY BADLY. AFTER HAVING IT REPLACED, ONE OF THE INJECTORS WENT BAD AGAIN- 7 DAYS LATER. THIS IS AN ISSUE, AS I AM DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2010

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WE SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE. UPON PULLING OVER WE FOUND A SMALL FIRE WAS BURNING IN THE HEAD/FOG LIGHT AREA OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE HEAD AND FOG LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE ENTIRE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 7, 2012 · fire

2010 BMW 335i — common questions

Is the 2010 BMW 335i reliable?

It is close to typical for the 335i: 58 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 335i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (13 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints).

Does the 2010 BMW 335i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 BMW 335i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 335i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 335i years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 335i years belongs to 2006.

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.