BMW 128I · model year

2010 BMW 128I

31 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010BMW128I carries 31 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 128I is air bags with 9 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (5) and engine (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2010 128I. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

31
Complaints
2
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

31 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
STRUCTURE1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1

Recalls (7)

17V68300030/10/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may sho

20V01700015/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

14V17600010/04/2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xD

13V04400007/02/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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-

19V57900006/08/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

16V07100005/02/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

22V11900002/03/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi);

Recent Complaints

20241202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20241202EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20241202EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20240613ENGINE

First notified of recall in October, 2023. After 8 months, BMW tells me there is no remedy available. Eight months is more than a reasonable amount of time to remedy this defect. Please help! Thank you.

20240520ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240227ENGINE

See attached document for complaint

20240205ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed and pulling into the driveway, the vehicle stalled. While driving on two occasions, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, door and trunk failed to open. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and noticed there was power being distributed to the battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. While the vehicle was still at the local dealer, it was diagnosed that the CAS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20240123ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128i. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 52,000

20230217ENGINE

Summary POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER: This recall involves an engine component known as the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater. The PCV valve heater may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. Safety Risk Should a short circuit occur, the PCV valve heater could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly start melting. In extremely rare cases, this could increase the risk of a fire. Remedy An electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater will be installed for free. If the PCV valve heater is damaged, it will be replaced for free. This may take up to several hours to perform.Per the instructions on the NHTSA.GOV If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA. Does a Bad PCV Valve Burn Oil? If you h

20230217FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Summary POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER: This recall involves an engine component known as the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater. The PCV valve heater may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. Safety Risk Should a short circuit occur, the PCV valve heater could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly start melting. In extremely rare cases, this could increase the risk of a fire. Remedy An electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater will be installed for free. If the PCV valve heater is damaged, it will be replaced for free. This may take up to several hours to perform.Per the instructions on the NHTSA.GOV If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA. Does a Bad PCV Valve Burn Oil? If you h

20221223AIR BAGS

Passenger restraint system malfunction. An independent repair shop tested and found the passenger seat sensor pad is bad. From my research, BMW has a problem with this part.

20220926ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve had failed. The independent mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 110,000

20220723EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Left driver side rear taillights failed constantly I have no rear working lights . I brought in for repair and there is no fix for the lights ! I was rear ended

20210805AIR BAGS

I have contacted BMW multiple times to come out and perform all 3 recalls. They said they would call back for details specific date to send out a certified mechanic to remedy the recalls. My wife never got a call back. I live over a hundred miles from any dealer on the VA and WV state lines. I can't afford to take time off to bring the car to them.

20210805ENGINE

I have contacted BMW multiple times to come out and perform all 3 recalls. They said they would call back for details specific date to send out a certified mechanic to remedy the recalls. My wife never got a call back. I live over a hundred miles from any dealer on the VA and WV state lines. I can't afford to take time off to bring the car to them.

20210805ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have contacted BMW multiple times to come out and perform all 3 recalls. They said they would call back for details specific date to send out a certified mechanic to remedy the recalls. My wife never got a call back. I live over a hundred miles from any dealer on the VA and WV state lines. I can't afford to take time off to bring the car to them.

20200129AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED ALTHOUGH A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (VISTA BMW (4401 W. SAMPLE RD. COCONUT CREEK, FL.) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20191220AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

MY 2010 BMW 128I HAS TWO AIRBAG LIGHTS AND ONE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT THAT ARE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY "PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR" UNDER DIAGNOSTIC CODE 93D2. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW 1 SERIES AND 3 SERIES CARS THE FAULTY SENSOR RESULTS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BEING DEACTIVATED. IN FACT, THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT AFTERMARKET COMPANIES HAVE DEVELOPED A "BYPASS" TO=HAT PLUGS IN TO THE SEAT TO REACTIVATE THE AIRBAGS WITHOUT REPLACING THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THIS CREATES ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN, BECAUSE THE BYPASS ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER (OR LACK OF A PASSENGER), WHICH COULD RESULT IN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WHEN A REAR FACING CARSEAT OR OTHER UNDERWEIGHT PASSENGER IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WITH A QUOTE OF $1,291.05 TO REPAIR THE FAULTY PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR

Mileage: 140,115

20191220AIR BAGS

MY 2010 BMW 128I HAS TWO AIRBAG LIGHTS AND ONE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT THAT ARE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY "PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR" UNDER DIAGNOSTIC CODE 93D2. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW 1 SERIES AND 3 SERIES CARS THE FAULTY SENSOR RESULTS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BEING DEACTIVATED. IN FACT, THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT AFTERMARKET COMPANIES HAVE DEVELOPED A "BYPASS" TO=HAT PLUGS IN TO THE SEAT TO REACTIVATE THE AIRBAGS WITHOUT REPLACING THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THIS CREATES ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN, BECAUSE THE BYPASS ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER (OR LACK OF A PASSENGER), WHICH COULD RESULT IN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WHEN A REAR FACING CARSEAT OR OTHER UNDERWEIGHT PASSENGER IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WITH A QUOTE OF $1,291.05 TO REPAIR THE FAULTY PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR

Mileage: 140,115

20180831FireSTRUCTURE:BODY

CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED ON A CITY STREET (CAUSE UNKNOWN AS DEEMED BY THE DC FIRE INSPECTOR). CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS.

Mileage: 76,000

Compare 2010BMW128I to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 BMW 128I have?
The 2010 BMW 128I has 31 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 BMW 128I?
Yes, the 2010 BMW 128I has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 128I?
The most-complained component for the 2010 BMW 128I is AIR BAGS with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and ENGINE.
Is the 2010 BMW 128I safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.