TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 BMW M3 airbags problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 BMW M3 have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 M3 | 107 |
| 2008 M3 | 7 |
| 2009 M3 | 8 |
| 2010 M3 (this page) | 8 |
| 2011 M3 | 9 |
| 2012 M3 | 4 |
| 2013 M3 | 6 |
When does it fail?
Of the 8 airbags complaints filed for the 2010 BMW M3, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW m3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (BMW of dallas, 6200 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75209 (972) 763-5528) stated that the parts were on backorder.…
Takata recall. I received a letter from bmwna in march 2016. More than 6 months later, the parts is still not available from takata for recall when I call the BMW dealership, I am told I will receive another letter from bmwna when the parts is available. I am very concern about my safety.
Takata recall BMW notified us in march 2016 that it was doing a recall. Since then they have not contacted us. I sent them and email today and got an automated response saying, in essence, they would get to it some time in the future. Given the danger and risk involved a six month (and probably much longer) wait for a repair is unreasonable and inconsisent with the law., please urge them to…
Takata recall want to record and link my VIN to me VIN: [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW m3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not provided. Updated…
Takata recall. I don't want to die by exploding airbag please let me know when parts are available my BMW dealer will not give me any information regarding a fix date. I would like information or get on a list for my dealer to get a repair part.
Takata recall. I was notified of this significant safety recall in march 2016. I have tried to get the airbag replaced by my local BMW dealer who says parts are not available and has no idea when they will be received. I cannot drive my vehicle due to the danger of this airbag defect and am seeking a remedy for the delay in repair.
Takata recall. Manufacturer still delaying remedy for my vehicle. (it's been a year and a half since the recall) I'm driving the car with life threatening risk everyday in fear. Please enforce replacement remedy asap.
Had airbags trouble with your 2010 BMW M3?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2010 BMW M3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 29,700 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/BMW/M3.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.