Is the 2014 BMW X3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 BMW X3 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW X3?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2014 BMW X3 have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2014 BMW X3

● Typical for this model

2014 BMW X3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:33:24.068Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 86
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2014: 86 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	138
2005	103
2006	143
2007	98
2008	66
2009	19
2010	32
2011	113
2012	42
2013	226
2014	86
2015	105
2016	82
2017	92
2018	76
2019	171
2020	110
2021	110
2022	81
2023	15
2024	39
2025	39
2026	21

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

35% · 30 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Our parked BMW X3 was in our driveway turned off when it suddenly burst into flames and also caught our house on fire and our neighbors house. There is currently no recall on this year and model.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-08

Also filed under Engine

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 19 reports

Engine

22% · 19 reports

FIRE

Service brakes

13% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

On December 27, 2023, vehicle was taken to the service center of the dealership where it was purchased. The primary concern was that the car would at times suddenly launch forward and increase in speed on its own.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-31

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Driving on 3 lane road traveling approx 20-30 miles per hr cars ahead of me stopped and I applied the breaks and nothing happened, car kept going and I hit the car in front of me. Seemed like the car didn't even slow down.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-04

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the brakes failed to respond causing the contact's vehicle to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-12

Also filed under Air bags

Air bags

10% · 9 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

After a collision, the driver side airbag exploded and a large piece of metal was projected from the airbag and into the driver's lung. The surgeon removed a gold colored disc from the drivers lung.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-31

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message âFuel Supply Malfunctionâ was displayed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-27

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-10-25 Loss of power assist braking
R

2014-01-31Service brakes, hydraulic13V454000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-02Service brakes, hydraulic14V627000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-13Child seat16V333000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2024-01-19Air bags23V797000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, and 2015 X4 xDrive35i vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-09-06Air bags24V527000 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,...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2014 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 19 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V454000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V627000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V333000 · Child seat
Recall 23V797000 · Air bags
Recall 24V527000 · Air bags
Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

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FAQ

Is the 2014 BMW X3 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 BMW X3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW X3?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW X3 have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2014 BMW X3

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Electrical system

Engine and engine cooling

Engine

Service brakes

Air bags

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

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