2014 BMW X3
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 111 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 81 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 72 |
| 2019 | 164 |
| 2020 | 106 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2026 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20200908
23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 19 distinct reports on file.
23% of complaints: engine — 19 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20200908
11% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20240131
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, 20181004
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, 20150212
10% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20231031
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, 20150212
SAFETY TIMELINE
Loss of power assist braking
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.
Campaign 13V454000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V627000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V333000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 23V797000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V527000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V608000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2014 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V454000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V627000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V333000 (child seat) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V797000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V527000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V608000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW X3 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.