2014 BMW X3 XDRIVE28IRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 86 owner complaints for the 2014 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I. Most complaints involve electrical system (30) and engine (19). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system30
- Engine19
- Engine and engine cooling19
- Air bags9
- Service brakes9
- Exterior lighting7
- Power train6
- Steering4
- Structure3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“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 associated with the recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was retrieved. The contact stated that directly after driving the vehicle, the dealer was made aware that there was an issue with the vehicle after the recall repair was performed. The contact was assured that the vehicle was fine, and the vehicle was test-driven to ensure that there were no issues with the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,150.”
Engine
“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 risk of crash while the vehicle is in motion. BMW issued an Extended Limited Parts Warranty for this exact defect (timing chain and oil pump drive chain), acknowledging a manufacturing defect. However, BMW is refusing to cover my repair even though this is a known safety issue affecting thousands of vehicles. The vehicle had been properly maintained, and there were no warning signs before the failure. I purchased the vehicle in October 2021, and this defect occurred during normal use commuting to work. The cost of repair is extremely high due to the internal engine damage caused by the timing chain defect. This is not normal wear and tear. This is a known design/manufacturing defect that BMW…”
Engine and engine cooling
“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 System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 xDrive28i Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 372 |
- 24mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2014 X3 XDRIVE28I questions
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2014 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I problems?
Owners filed 86 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (30), engine (19), engine and engine cooling (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2014 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I get?
The EPA rates the 2014 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).