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2014 BMW X3 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 BMW X3 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 86owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 1fire report
- 24%fail the UK MOT
86 complaints, against an average of 87 for the other 14 BMW X3 model years.
Every BMW X3 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2014 BMW X3?
The components named most often in the 86 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 BMW X3 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 86 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2014 BMW X3 engine?9 owners · 10.5%
- Why does my 2014 BMW X3 smell of burning or smoke?9 owners · 10.5%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2014 BMW X3?7 owners · 8.1%
- Why does my 2014 BMW X3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?6 owners · 7%
- Has the 2014 BMW X3 had engine failures?5 owners · 5.8%
- Why does my 2014 BMW X3 overheat?3 owners · 3.5%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2014 BMW X3?3 owners · 3.5%
- Does the 2014 BMW X3 have rust or paint problems?3 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2014 BMW X3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 BMW X3 as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2014 BMW X3 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 DVSAReplace the Driver’s Airbag – Takata PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may be fitted with a drivers airbag which may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin. It has the potential to fatally or seriously injure vehicle occupants.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the airbag replaced.
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 DVSAAdaption measure for the emission control system
Risk: For certain vehicles there is an adaptation measure for the emissions control system.
Fix: The vehicles will have some components of the emissions control system replaced with adapted parts and their control applications will be updated.
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.
UK DVSAPower steering may not perform correctly
Risk: The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
UK DVSAIsofix child restraint system may become insecure
Risk: ISOFIX mountings are fixed to a cross member. As a result of vibrations and type of seat used it is possible for the ISOFIX mountings to become insecure and in rare cases break off.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and a metal angle bracket will be welded to each of the four ISOFIX brackets in the back seats to reinforce the mounting.
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation.In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may 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 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 propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time.If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing 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 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 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
EU Safety GateThe housing of the driver's airbag inflator may have been incorrectly welded.In the event of an accident involving airbag deployment, the inflator may rupture. This might lead to metal fragments passing through the airbag and causing injury to the vehicle 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 four ISOFIX child-seat attachment brackets on the rear seats are insufficiently strong and could break when under stress from dynamic…The four ISOFIX child-seat attachment brackets on the rear seats are insufficiently strong and could break when under stress from dynamic turning movements. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. 14.
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 X3 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 X3 owners report?
12 of the 86 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.
Had an oil change through BMW with their pre-packaged oil service. 6 days later my oil pump chain guard broke inside the engine and now they're telling me I need a new engine which cost $33,000. I believe the chain guard was either broken during the time of their possession or they could at least have told me that the chain guard was cracked or broken when they did the oil change by looking down the oil cap. They explained to me looking inside the oil cap is how they know the guard has broken and the chain has stretched. So during the oil change they should have been able to tell me or show me…
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message “Fuel Supply Malfunction” was displayed. Additionally, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V527000 (Air Bags) and stated that the passenger’s side air bag was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a catastrophic timing chain failure on my 2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i equipped with the N20 engine. While driving, the timing chain and oil pump drive chain failed without warning. This is a well-documented defect on BMW N20/N26 engines that has been the subject of extended warranties and numerous consumer complaints. This failure can cause sudden engine seizure, immediate loss of power steering and braking assist, and creates a serious risk of crash while the vehicle is in motion. BMW issued an Extended Limited Parts Warranty for this exact defect (timing…
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that only a shield had been replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was not covered or associated with the recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine…
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the braking system malfunctioned and erroneously activated, causing the brakes to grab. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the brake caliper and brake lines were flushed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 123,286.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal winding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake was inoperable. The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: SIB: 11-03-17. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the timing chaining needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
The high beams on the car malfunctioned. The sheathing material on the wires is supposedly “Soy based” and breaks down with heat and time. When the wire insulation breaks down beyond a certain point, it will crumble off of the wires, leading to exposed wires, which may touch each other, and cause certain functions of the headlamp to fail. If the headlamp fails while driving at night, vision may be impaired, or completely impossible. The issue likely affects almost every bmw produced from ~2007, to at least 2014. The vehicle was never taken into a shop, or dealership for the issue, as it was…
While driving at highway speed, my vehicle began to drag and slow down, I had to apply more on the gas pedal to keep it going. It scared me very much. I took it to my shop where they diagnosed a bad ABS pump, they also told me they had done several of these pumps on the same vehicles. I hope this helps, something needs to be done.
BMW VEHICLES WITH CHASSIS STABILIZATION MALFUNCTION RELATED TO ELECTRICAL SENSOR IN THE WHEELS LEADING TO VEHICLE STOPPED , NOT RUNNING GOING ON PARKING AUTOMATICALLY, DRIVERS UNABLE TO MANUBRATE THE CAR.MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 2500 MILES , AND WAS RUNNING WITHOUT PROBLEMS THAT THEY UNTIL SUDDENLY WENT AUTOMATICALLY INTO PARKING WHILE DRIVING, PLEASE CHECK ON INTERNET THIS ISSUES GOING ON BMW'S ALL OVER THE WORLD BUT MOSTLY IN USA
2014 BMW X3: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 BMW X3 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW X3; the most common categories were electrical system (30, 34.9%), engine (19, 22.1%), engine and engine cooling (19, 22.1%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 6 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW X3?
Across 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (34.9% of complaints), engine (22.1% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (22.1% of complaints), service brakes (12.8% of complaints), air bags (10.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 BMW X3 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 BMW X3. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2014 BMW X3 engine?
9 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (10.5%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "I was driving the car on the highway when the engine suddenly stopped. After towing it to the auto mechanic, he informed me that the timing chain was damaged, so the oil pressure went down and the engine was gone. The car never displayed any warning messages." (NHTSA complaint 11529559, June 2023). 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 X3 smell of burning or smoke?
9 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (10.5%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Received multiple error messages "battery discharging while stopped" and "increased battery discharge". i smelled burning plastic. next day i received error the tpm has malfunctioned. i contacted my servicing dealer and explained the problem." (NHTSA complaint 11189753, March 2019). 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 do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2014 BMW X3?
7 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (8.1%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Rear brake light continue to go out intermittently. vehicle sometimes displays the warning message on the dash only a portion of the time. when the light does come on, it is about 5-10 minutes after starting the car and driving it a few miles." (NHTSA complaint 11141155, October 2018). 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 X3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle intermittently lost power in motion on a highway causing the speed to drop at times from 55 to 45 until slowing down to a stop and intermittently caused random alerts to come on such as "door open" when driving when door was locked/not opened or…" (NHTSA complaint 11150659, November 2018). 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.
Has the 2014 BMW X3 had engine failures?
5 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (5.8%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "I was driving the car on the highway when the engine suddenly stopped. After towing it to the auto mechanic, he informed me that the timing chain was damaged, so the oil pressure went down and the engine was gone. The car never displayed any warning messages." (NHTSA complaint 11529559, June 2023). 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 X3 overheat?
3 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (3.5%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. 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." (NHTSA complaint 11648693, March 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.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2014 BMW X3?
3 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (3.5%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2014 bmw x3. while driving 30 mph, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. as a result, the contact swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid rear ending a vehicle. the failure recurred twice." (NHTSA complaint 10914341, October 2016). 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.
Does the 2014 BMW X3 have rust or paint problems?
3 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (3.5%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Turbo waste gate actuator rod rusted out. this immediately led to loss of turbo-charging, leading to a dangerous situation due to low engine output. there is no warning prior to this occurring." (NHTSA complaint 11396955, February 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.
Check your own X3
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 X3 XDRIVE28I and X3 XDRIVE35I.