MotorDeets

2010 BMW X3 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2010 BMW X3 Sav: 3 recalls, 23 owner complaints.

3vehicle recalls
23owner complaints
1mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2010 BMW X3 Sav
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V176000 · 2014 · 156,137 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and May possibly break.

Why it matters: If the bolts loosen or break the engine May have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four vanos housing bolts for both vanos units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an…

Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i); 2008-2013 1 series convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 series sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 series wagon (328i, 328i xdrive); 2007-2013 3 series convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 series sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 series wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 x5 sav (x5 3.0si, x5 xdrive30i); 2006-2008 z4 coupe (z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 z4…

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and 19v-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the pcv valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags15
Steering3
Body & structure2
Electrical2
Engine2
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Engine & cooling1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2010 BMW X3 Sav has 23 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 6 X3 Sav model years for complaints (well below the 46 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 38,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (16 complaints, 2 recalls), 2011 (13 complaints, 1 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 BMW X3 Sav.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

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FAQ

Does the 2010 BMW X3 Sav have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2010 BMW X3 Sav. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2010 BMW X3 Sav problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (15), steering (3), body & structure (2).

Where can I get a 2010 BMW X3 Sav repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other X3 Sav years

200720082009201020112012