2014 BMW X3 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

34 owners have reported engine problems with the 2014 BMW X3, 65% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 72,821 mi.

Engine complaints
34
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
72,821 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine and engine cooling19
Engine15

Engine complaints across BMW X3 years

192007214200917342011510120133437201527332017203920192723202110420235420251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k330k–60k760k–100k1100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · 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.

    Remedy: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 21, 2026WAEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11732798 · source
  2. Filed Dec 22, 2025171,150 miTNTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11706503 · source
  3. Filed Aug 20, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11681850 · source
  4. Filed Jun 6, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11665352 · source
  5. Filed Jun 4, 2025MDElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11664918 · source
  6. Filed May 29, 2025130,000 miCOTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11663656 · source
  7. Filed Apr 24, 2025ORElectrical SystemEngine
    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 .
    NHTSA complaint #11656616 · source
  8. Filed Apr 16, 2025158,897 miGAElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11654912 · source
  9. Filed Apr 1, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngine
    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 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11651980 · source
  10. Filed Mar 26, 2025NCElectrical SystemEngine
    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 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
    NHTSA complaint #11650842 · source
  11. Filed Mar 17, 2025170,000 miTXElectrical SystemEngine
    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 contact stated that the engine overheated, and the drivetrain malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle until the engine had…
    NHTSA complaint #11648693 · source
  12. Filed Mar 12, 2025ORElectrical SystemEngine
    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 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11647913 · source

Other 2014 BMW X3 problem areas

  • Electrical System (23)
  • Airbags (6)
  • Other / Unknown (6)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (4)
  • Brakes (4)
  • Lighting (2)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2014 BMW X3 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology