Problems · by component

2014 BMW 3 Series power train problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 BMW 3 Series cite power train, 10% of all 378 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
36
10% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2014 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating with the check engine warning light illuminated, with the message "Drive Train Malfunction" displayed. The contact stated that later while attempting to drive there was a loud sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was parked due to the fear of a crash. The failure mileage was 77,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Steering, Power trainODI 11768001
“The engine drivetrain malfunctioned and there is a message. My safety and safety of others was put at risk when I was driving the car it was shaking kicking moving on its own not braking I couldn’t control the car. I felt as if the car was about to hit someone on the road and the engine was going to blow up or transmission. I was afraid it was very scary! There is an engine misfire No When I bought it, it was a tire sign and shaking but the salesman said it was just the tires after two weeks the engine sign was on and a drivetrain malfunction message came up and the car was shaking kicking moving on its own about to hit some people on the road and I couldn’t control it and the engine or transmission was about to blow up it was making loud noises!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineCrash reportedODI 11766157
“The primary failure involves the EGR cooler system covered under Recall 21V-907, with consequential damage to the intake system, including intake air leaks, charge pipe failure, displaced turbo-to-DPF V-band clamp, brittle/cracked fuel lines, and intake system integrity loss. Yes — the vehicle and all affected components are available for inspection upon request The EGR cooler internal leak defect and intake system failures create risk of engine overheating, thermal degradation, loss of engine power under boost, exhaust gas leakage, and potential fire hazard, which can cause unsafe driving conditions and sudden loss of vehicle performance The vehicle was presented to a BMW dealership, and the recall defect was acknowledged. The dealer confirmed that any decisions regarding inspection and repair must come from BMW corporate. The dealership refused to inspect or evaluate the recall-related failures pending corporate authorization. No. BMW of North America has not authorized inspection or evaluation. The dealership also refused to inspect the vehicle pending corporate direction. Yes. Symptoms included audible air leaks, intake pressure loss under boost,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11715249
“The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle on the slightly inclined driveway, the contact exited the vehicle and walked to the front door of the residence. The contact then noticed that the vehicle was rolling backward. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled back onto the street and stopped independently. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back into the driveway. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P), the failure recurred. The contact engaged the electric parking brake, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V185000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2025Power trainODI 11640843
“After a drive from Denver to Breckenridge on snowy roads the car was parked in an unplowed parking space. When the car was moved 1 hr later the car had no ABS--flashing on dash, no traction control--flashing on dash and steering was ineffective. Car was only drivable by backing into a space. 20 hrs later the car was to be moved again...again, everything flashed on dash...no ABS, no traction control, drive train failure and car just slid. Steering was totally ineffective. Car was pushed by people on both sides until dry pavement was reached. Car was restarted and I resumed driving on dry pavement back to Denver. Had car "read" by my mechanic and then again by a BMW certified mechanic. No codes were available! The speculation was that my wheel sensors froze. If my Xdrive can't be driven in snow, what's going on. There were two drivers involved in this and both of us reported a total lack of control of the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2024Power train, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11611661
“While driving my 328 XDrive, I went to make a left turn and hear a loud bang like I ran over a boulder or large object. Lost almost all power to the wheels and had to cost the car into a gas station. After which I had the car towed to BMW and was determined to be a failed transfer case at 123k on the OD. This seems to be happening to the older BMWs with the old transfer case. BMW knows this as they have since upgraded the transfer case and no longer sell the old one. This should without question be a recall for any 328d XDrive from this era.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2024Power trainODI 11600624

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: constant velocity joint

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Mar 26, 2020NHTSA 20V185000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.