2014 BMW 3 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 148 of 405 complaints (37%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (15) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 383 in 2013 to 405 in 2014.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | vs. 2014 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–4,100 | 2,750–4,100 | 2,500–3,350 | 2,500–3,350 | 2,500–3,350 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–27 | 19–28 | 23–36 | 23–36 | 23–35 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–23 / 23–34 | 16–25 / 23–35 | 20–31 / 28–43 | 20–31 / 28–43 | 20–31 / 28–42 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 329–468 | 317–461 | 285–392 | 285–395 | 284–387 | |
| Complaints filed | 178 | 383 | 405 | 213 | 105 | |
| Recalls issued | 11 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 6 | 37 | 34 | 7 | 13 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 10 | 17 | 11 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 23 | 29 | 4 | 11 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 16 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW 3 Series have?
12 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2014 BMW 3 Series?
Engine: 148 of 405 NHTSA complaints (37%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2014 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA rates it 23–36 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 BMW 3 Series?
EPA estimates $2,500–$3,350 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (17)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 35 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,750 | 324 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,850 | 333 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 | 353 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg (low) | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 377 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 31 mpg (high) | 43 mpg (high) | 36 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 285 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 31 mpg (high) | 41 mpg | 34 mpg | $2,650 | 295 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 20 mpg (low) | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 377 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 31 mpg (high) | 41 mpg | 34 mpg | $2,650 | 295 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | $3,350 (high) | 381 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | $3,350 (high) | 392 g/mi (high) |
Show 6 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,850 | 327 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 33 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 341 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 35 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,850 | 326 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 25 mpg | 32 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,750 | 318 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 148 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 36 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 110 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical | 78 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Brakes | 35 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 34 | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 18 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 25 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 51 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (12)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD · Campaign 25V871000 · Dec 17, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · Campaign 24V608000 · Aug 14, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 24V527000 · Jul 11, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · Campaign 24V288000 · Apr 24, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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, DIESEL · Campaign 21V907000 · Nov 19, 2021
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Consequence: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 21V586000 · Jul 30, 2021
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT · Campaign 20V185000 · Mar 27, 2020
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2016 328d xDrive sedans and 2013-2015 328d xDrive station wagon vehicles. The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the rear wheels.
Consequence: A loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked after a loss of power to the rear wheels and the parking brake is not engaged, unintended rollaway can occur, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) · Campaign 18V755000 · Oct 30, 2018
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Consequence: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 15V520000 · Aug 17, 2015
Defect: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 15V189000 · Mar 31, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Show 2 earlier campaigns
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 14V627000 · Oct 7, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 13V454000 · Oct 21, 2013
Defect: 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 and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.