CarBrief

NHTSA has 86 owner complaints on file for the 2014 BMW X3[1], and the engine group draws the most. The model year also has 6 recalls on file, The model year also has 6 recalls on file[2], so ask whether the recall work was done..

86owner complaints[1]
6recalls[2]
21–24MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

Of the 86 complaints on file[1], here is how NHTSA groups them. One complaint can name more than one component, and these are unverified owner reports.

Component group Complaints
Engine[4] 38
Electrical system[5] 30
Brakes[6] 11
Air bags[7] 9
Unknown or other[8] 9
Exterior lighting[9] 7
Power train[10] 6
Steering[11] 4

Among the complaints, 6 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 2 injuries. No deaths are reported[1].

Engine. The median mileage at failure is 69,586[4]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe oil leaking from a turbo line, smoke from the exhaust, a stretched timing chain, and the car losing power or shutting off while driving[4].

Electrical system. The median mileage is 81,500[5]. In the sample, owners describe warning messages, repeatedly blown fuses, water in the rear storage well and a burning smell[5].

Brakes. Brake complaints include 4 crashes, and the median mileage is 33,659[6]. In the sample, owners describe brakes that did not respond in traffic. Some say the dealer could not reproduce the problem[6].

Air bags. These complaints include 3 crashes and 2 injuries, with a median mileage of 42,482[7]. In the sample, owners describe warning lights and worry about the air bag inflator recall[7].

Steering, power train and lighting each have fewer complaints, so we do not call them common trouble spots[9][10][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first[2]:

Fuel economy

The EPA rates both engines on premium fuel with all-wheel drive and Automatic (S8)[3][18].

Model City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
X3 xDrive28i, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo[3] 21 / 28 / 24 $3,400
X3 xDrive35i, 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo[18] 19 / 26 / 21 $3,900

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 241 hp[19] and the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 300 hp[20]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

xDrive28i xDrive35i
Length[21][22] 183 in 183 in
Width[21][22] 74 in 74 in
Height[21][22] 66 in 66 in
Wheelbase[21][22] 111 in 111 in
Curb weight[21][22] 4,068 lb 4,222 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

2004: 138 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 103 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 143 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 258 complaints, 5 recalls2008: 122 complaints, 5 recalls20082009: 35 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 55 complaints, 7 recalls20102011: 126 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 48 complaints, 2 recalls20122013: 226 complaints, 7 recalls2014: 86 complaints, 6 recalls8620142015: 105 complaints, 7 recalls2016: 82 complaints, 5 recalls20162017: 92 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 76 complaints, 11 recalls20182019: 171 complaints, 10 recalls2020: 110 complaints, 16 recalls20202021: 113 complaints, 10 recalls2022: 83 complaints, 7 recalls20222023: 15 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 42 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 38 complaints, 9 recalls2026: 21 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each X3 model year. The 2014 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20041381
20051031
20061432
20072585
20081225
2009355
2010557
20111265
2012482
20132267
2014866
20151057
2016825
2017926
20187611
201917110
202011016
202111310
2022837
2023154
2024423
2025389
2026212

The 2014 X3 has 86 complaints and 6 recalls on file[2]. The 2013 model has 226 complaints and 7 recalls, and 2015 has 105 complaints and 7 recalls[2]. The 2012 model has 48 complaints and 2 recalls[2].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat these as a rough guide only. Compare years of the same model, not different models.

Should you buy a used 2014 BMW X3?

The 2014 X3 has a mixed record in NHTSA data, with 86 complaints and engine complaints leading the list[1][4]. Ask for proof that all 6 recalls were completed, especially the driver air bag inflator and brake vacuum pump work[13][14][16][2]. The engine complaints we read describe oil leaks and timing chain trouble, though that sample is small and unverified[4]. The 3.0L engine rates lower on MPG than the 2.0L[3][18]. A pre-purchase inspection of the engine is a sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW X3?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 38 of 86 complaints, followed by electrical system with 30[1][4][5].
Does the 2014 BMW X3 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year, covering a water pump connector, driver air bag inflators, child seat anchors and the brake vacuum pump[12][13][14][15][16][17][2].
What is the gas mileage of the 2014 BMW X3?
The EPA rates the xDrive28i at 24 MPG combined and the xDrive35i at 21 MPG combined[3][18].
Is the 2014 X3 better than the 2013?
NHTSA lists 86 complaints for 2014 and 226 for 2013, but counts are not adjusted for sales[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 86 owner complaints on file for the 2014 BMW X3 (6 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW X3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for X3 xDrive28i, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 38 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,586). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 30 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 11 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,659). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 9 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,482). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 7 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 4 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 24V608, filed August 13, 2024: Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors / Plugs / Receptacles. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 24V527, filed July 11, 2024: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 23V797, filed November 24, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 16V333, filed May 23, 2016: Child Seat › Latch Strap. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V627, filed October 7, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 13V454, filed September 26, 2013: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for X3 xDrive35i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2014 BMW X3 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 241 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2014 BMW X3 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, X3 xDRIVE28i 4 DR SUV: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,068 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, X3 xDRIVE35i 4 DR SUV: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,222 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.