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2014 BMW 4 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 BMW 4 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 68owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 20%fail the UK MOT
68 complaints, against an average of 26 for the other 10 BMW 4 Series model years.
Every BMW 4 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2014 BMW 4 Series?
The components named most often in the 68 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 BMW 4 Series owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 68 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2014 BMW 4 Series been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Head BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System: Pump BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Fix: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags: Side/Window BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum: Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the 2014 BMW 4 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time
Risk: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
EU Safety GateThe accumulator in the head airbag inflator may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications.Over time this could cause it to leak. If activated in an accident, the airbag would not fully deploy, as a result of which its restraining effect would be impaired. In addition, irrespective of the airbag being activated in an accident, the accumulator may detach. In this case, the accumulator could enter the interior of the vehicle or become detached from the vehicle. This could lead to an increased risk of injury for passengers and/or passers-by.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded.In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe accumulator in the driver/passenger head airbag inflator can leak, preventing the airbag to fully deploy if activated in an accident,…The accumulator in the driver/passenger head airbag inflator can leak, preventing the airbag to fully deploy if activated in an accident, impairing the protective effect of the airbag. Moreover, the accumulator can detach, entering the interior of the vehicle or becoming detached from the vehicle. This can lead to an increased risk of injury for passengers and/or other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and…The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe control unit of the electronic power steering may have been incorrectly manufactured.This may cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, steering assistance might fail while driving.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2014 BMW 4 Series fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2014, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2014 BMW 4 Series owners report?
12 of the 68 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Car jyst shut down in the middle of the street without any dashbord lights, strange noises or symptoms. Won't turn over. After tow to BMW dealer they said oil pump broke. I took it to volvo dealer they said oil starvation. They changed design of oil pump drive but don't inform anybody to do it which is very unacceptable. And they should do recall on that. That was very dangerous situation. This oil pump very slowly desteoys without any symptoms. It's really ticking time bomb becouse they now it quietly change design.Thank you.
I have tried reaching BMW USA 3-4 times since November 2024 until now. The representative said BMW is working on correcting the problem. I have CC the email that was sent this June 2025 with no replies. 1 year has passed since the recall was issued and BMW USA has not created a remedy/fix for the coolant problem. I had this car on the TURO car rental platform as I am a host on TURO. I can't list this car to rent out because of the recall. Turo will not allow owners of recalled cars to list their cars because the car could be "potentially unsafe." Yet, the "owner" is driving these "unsafe"'…
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
the recall was dated 12 August 2024. To date BMW North America has not provided the parts needed to effect the repair. it has been 10 months since the recall. BMW NA is dragging its feet. it is time something is done to require BMW NA to fix the problem,
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH and attempting to change lanes, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message “Chassis Unstable” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to pull over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The contact was unable to find the cause of failure and continued to drive the vehicle without power steering functionality. The message of an excessive power drain for the battery was displayed. The vehicle was unable to switch to…
Car shut down and is believed to be a lemon car, and continuously leaks in spite being serviced on numerous occasions.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while idling in traffic on the highway, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was running extremely hot. The message "Engine Over temperature - Stop Carefully" was…
I was entering the freeway as I was merging from the on-ramp onto the freeway after it had rained that day the car began to spun out of control as I was trying to regain the vehicle it'slammed into the side rail bouncing off of it and then I stepped on the brakes but the car proceeded to go forward hit the rail again which caused the damage to the front bumper, hood, fenders, lighting system, and some frame work.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. The ABS and headlight warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
WHILE DRIVING AT MODERATE ACCELERATION I HEARD A POP AND FELT A LARGE DECREASE IN POWER. LOOKED UNDER HOOD AND SAW AN OBVIOUS PIPE BROKEN OFF. TOOK IT TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW.ADVISED IT WAS THE 'LEFT CHARGE PIPE' AND TO FIND OUT ITS THE VERY FEW THINGS NOT COVERED IN CA EMISSIONS 7 YEAR/70K WARRANTY. SEAMS FAIRLY COMMON. ESTIMATE $1,313.14!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 428I. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS MELTING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIELDS BMW WINTER PARK (963 WYMORE RD, WINTER PARK, FL 32789, (407) 628-2100) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000.
2014 BMW 4 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 BMW 4 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 68 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW 4 Series; the most common categories were electrical system (21, 30.9%), engine (21, 30.9%), fuel/propulsion system (19, 27.9%). There are 6 safety recalls. 8 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW 4 Series?
Across 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (30.9% of complaints), engine (30.9% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (27.9% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (13.2% of complaints), service brakes (13.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 BMW 4 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2014 BMW 4 Series; the most recent (campaign 25V871000, 2025-12-17) concerns Air Bags: Side/Window: Head. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2014 BMW 4 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
11 of the 68 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW 4 Series (16.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Passenger brake light harness keeps melting. This is my second Bmw and both had the same problem. The car keeps having loss of power while driving on the freeway. Probably something to do with fuel pump." (NHTSA complaint 11445374, December 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2014 BMW 4 Series overheat?
4 of the 68 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW 4 Series (5.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "The coolant pump on my BMW has failed due to a known recall issue (NHTSA Recall Number 24V608). Despite the recall being issued months ago, BMW has not provided a timely fix or remedy." (NHTSA complaint 11631327, December 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2014 BMW 4 Series accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
4 of the 68 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW 4 Series (5.9%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "Car surging and caused accident, very dangerous. according to dot recall notice, car may have bad fuel pump that caused irregular and unsafe acceleration. *tr" (NHTSA complaint 10713220, April 2015). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2014 BMW 4 Series smell of burning or smoke?
3 of the 68 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW 4 Series (4.4%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available." (NHTSA complaint 11638720, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 4 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2014 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 428I, 428XI, 435I and 435XI.