2014 BMW X3 Problems

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 has been aware of for years. Also, when I purchased this vehicle, the headlights, and taillights on the hatchback were not working. I had brought this up to the dealership they replaced the headlights, but did not address the tail lights. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect further, and the tail lights as these failures create a significant safety hazard for drivers and other vehicles on the road.

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the braking system malfunctioned and erroneously activated, causing the brakes to grab. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the brake caliper and brake lines were flushed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 123,286.

While driving at highway speed, my vehicle began to drag and slow down, I had to apply more on the gas pedal to keep it going. It scared me very much. I took it to my shop where they diagnosed a bad ABS pump, they also told me they had done several of these pumps on the same vehicles. I hope this helps, something needs to be done.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message “Fuel Supply Malfunction” was displayed. Additionally, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V527000 (Air Bags) and stated that the passenger’s side air bag was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

In May 2022, BMW of Bellevue performed recall service on my BMW X3 with a car wash. Within miles of leaving the dealership, the car displayed a warning "Passenger restraint system: malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult nearest service center." My understanding is that the airbag will no longer deploy in an accident, posing a serious risk to my family. Both BMW of Bellevue and Eastside Bavarian have confirmed the issue. Eastside Bavarian confirmed that the defect could have been triggered by the dealership's service. BMW of Bellevue denies responsibility, and has quoted $3k to repair the airbag. Based on internet searches, this error message is a frequent defect in BMWs. Attached is a photo of the error message and two invoices from BMW of Bellevue: the first is for the recall and the second is for their inspection of the fault.

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 has been aware of for years. Also, when I purchased this vehicle, the headlights, and taillights on the hatchback were not working. I had brought this up to the dealership they replaced the headlights, but did not address the tail lights. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect further, and the tail lights as these failures create a significant safety hazard for drivers and other vehicles on the road.

The high beams on the car malfunctioned. The sheathing material on the wires is supposedly “Soy based” and breaks down with heat and time. When the wire insulation breaks down beyond a certain point, it will crumble off of the wires, leading to exposed wires, which may touch each other, and cause certain functions of the headlamp to fail. If the headlamp fails while driving at night, vision may be impaired, or completely impossible. The issue likely affects almost every bmw produced from ~2007, to at least 2014. The vehicle was never taken into a shop, or dealership for the issue, as it was repaired by the owner, instead of being replaced. The vehicle was never inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The “Lamp faulty” malfunction message would appear on the dash when the adaptive function was activated, the high beams also did not work, but there was no error code present for this issue without the use of a code scanner. One of the codes present when using a code scanner implied that there was a short circuit inside of the headlamp, causing certain functions to cease operation.

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. Employees/repairmen test drove the vehicle, scanned the codes and the concern was not duplicated. On January 14, 2024, when slowing to park this vehicle, it suddenly raced forward, causing driver to hit a post. I have this documentation. Vehicle was totaled (at loss to me). I need some remedy.

The contact owned a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, she lost control of the steering wheel, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left, and she crashed into a cement light pole. The Chassis Stabilization warning light was illuminated intermittently. The driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that she hit her head on the steering wheel but had declined medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle had not been taken to be diagnosed or repaired, and the contact was informed the VIN was only included in an emissions recall. The contact stated that the OBD monitor was removed when the vehicle was previously impounded. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,526.

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 has been aware of for years. Also, when I purchased this vehicle, the headlights, and taillights on the hatchback were not working. I had brought this up to the dealership they replaced the headlights, but did not address the tail lights. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect further, and the tail lights as these failures create a significant safety hazard for drivers and other vehicles on the road.

I have a 2014 X3 xDrive28i with 114, 000 miles. On August 4th 2024 while I was going 15 miles per hour on a residential road, when my iDrive instrument notification panel displayed "drivetrain malfunction! pullover shut off engine". I immediately came to a stop and turned off the engine, I was unable to re-start it afterwards. I had it towed to my local Ralley BMW dealer, where it then restarted after being removed from the flatbed tow truck. They were unable to determine the cause of the issue. They did a software update and told me that was probably all it was. I soon found out there is a massive issue with the timing chain & chain guides that can cause the timing to skip, resulting in premature shutdown or catastrophic engine failure. I took it to a reputable independent shop who later identified that the timing chain had excessive slack and was not able to be adjusted for proper tension, due to the catastrophic failure of the timing guides. Required repairs will cost upwards of $4,000.00, which I am currently in the process of completing.

BMW VEHICLES WITH CHASSIS STABILIZATION MALFUNCTION RELATED TO ELECTRICAL SENSOR IN THE WHEELS LEADING TO VEHICLE STOPPED , NOT RUNNING GOING ON PARKING AUTOMATICALLY, DRIVERS UNABLE TO MANUBRATE THE CAR.MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 2500 MILES , AND WAS RUNNING WITHOUT PROBLEMS THAT THEY UNTIL SUDDENLY WENT AUTOMATICALLY INTO PARKING WHILE DRIVING, PLEASE CHECK ON INTERNET THIS ISSUES GOING ON BMW'S ALL OVER THE WORLD BUT MOSTLY IN USA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED MOMENTARILY AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. BMW OF BLOOMINGTON (1604 COMMERCE PKWY, BLOOMINGTON, IL 61704) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS BECAME CORRODED DUE TO WATER INTRUSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Several warning lights flashed on and off while driving. My display/computer turned off and rebooted while driving. A day or two later the electric rear hatch stopped working. I opened the cover in the back where the spare is, and found several inches of water (4-5) in the well. I called the dealer first thing since it was a frightening thought thinking the car may blow up or trigger the airbag making me (or whoever is driving the car) crash into someone else. To my surprise there was no warning or recall on the problem. A surprise since a simple google search turned up pages of complaints, chat rooms and discussions concerning the same issue. This is where the battery is stored in this car. The battery was sitting in inches of water even though it is slightly elevated. The control module for the electric hatch (according to a schematic found by google) although in a separate raised styrofoam holder, was halfway submerged in water. Under the side panel was wet. In that side panel is the fuse/ relay panel. Water was dripping down the side of that wall and the insulation was wet and dripping at the bottom and into the bay. The safety of myself, the driver, or my wife the primary driver of the car could be affected in many unexpected/ unknown ways with a short on the fuse panel or worse yet water sloshing around a big 12 volt car battery. Could it explode? I don’t know. I vacuumed out the water and it has come back and fills a substantial amount in a couple weeks. About one inch per week. It is certainly ongoing. My wife won’t drive it so deduction tells me it is not coming in from driving it. It is available for inspection although I have not driven it to the dealer since it has been quite wet and is some distance away. I tried to follow your format and include all your requested details. If I have left anything out I am happy to answer any questions. Thank you for the opportunity to bring this to someone’s attention. Thanks again, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

SUN ROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message “Fuel Supply Malfunction” was displayed. Additionally, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V527000 (Air Bags) and stated that the passenger’s side air bag was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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. Employees/repairmen test drove the vehicle, scanned the codes and the concern was not duplicated. On January 14, 2024, when slowing to park this vehicle, it suddenly raced forward, causing driver to hit a post. I have this documentation. Vehicle was totaled (at loss to me). I need some remedy.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW X3. WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPPED, THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GOES OFF AND THE WARNING SENSORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE STOPPED TO RESET THE PANEL, WHICH COULD DISTRACT THE CONTACT WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT LIVED AT A HIGH ALTITUDE THAT CAUSED THE SENSORS TO GO OFF. THE DEALER (SCHOMP BMW, 1190 PLUM VALLEY LN, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129, (303) 730-1300) WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED IF THE TIRE SENSOR SYSTEM COULD BE DISASSEMBLED, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT RETURN HIS CALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THEY ALSO DID NOT RETURN THE CONTACT'S CALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

2014 BMW X3 THE SENSOR TO THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAS NOW INDICATED THAT THE TIRE HAS GONE LOW FOR THE FOURTH TIME. *MW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VALVE STEM WAS LOOSE. HOWEVER, HE WITNESSED THE TECHNICIAN TIGHTENED ALL OF THE STEMS. *JB

On 10/2/2021 my driver side mirror assembly fell off when driver door was closed. On 3/7/2020 my passenger mirror assembly fell off when the passenger door was closed. My safety was at risk when not being able to effectively use mirrors for travel visibility. Others traveling behind me may have if my mirror wires shredded and it became a projectile as in both incidents I was 45 minutes from home. Both times I had to find tape to hold it up. I contacted BMW North America Customer Relations case #2021-27700837. I was told on 10/8/2021 by supervisor Ashley ext.1461 my vehicle is out of warranty and they do not have reports of mirrors falling off being an issue and would not assist with goodwill for this second incident. Please see in the forum attachment BMW is aware of the faulty mirror assemblies. Ashley informed me my call was recorded. My local mechanic changed the mirror assembly in 2020. See attached invoice. My local mechanic will change the drivers side mirror assembly this week. I had scheduled BMW Fort Myers FL appt for 10/11/2021 10:00am but service advisor Jose quoted an amount $500 higher than Walt’s Garage. Walt’s initially ordered the assembly from Fort Myers BMW via parts Dept tech Michael who held assembly in my name. See Walt’s quote attached. There were no warnings that the mirrors would fall off. My vehicle has been garaged both in NJ and FL since I purchased it. A few times I noticed the driver mirror assembly not close when pressing the fold button. This was not noticed for the passenger mirror. I did a web search and have noticed several times individuals complaints of broken BMW mirror assembly. I have attached photos of most relevant case on Bimmerforum.com where a tech saw a mirror fall off. The report dated 5/19/20 shows that they contacted BMW Customer Relations so they were aware of the fault and also reimbursed the customer. Although the repair shop name was not mentioned it seems that it could have been BMW dealership.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the hatchback's rear latch had inadvertently opened, and the personal content had fallen out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was test-driven with the service manager and the failure was replicated. The contact also stated that they drove 3 other SUVs and the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that 3 other SUVs were test driven and the failure occurred. The service manager's diagnosis was that the hatchback release button was inadvertently depressed. Per the contact, the manufacturer advised the dealer to upgrade the SUV software free of charge. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

BOUGHT A NEW 2014 BMW X3. IN NOVEMBER 2014 WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THIS SUV HAD A MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THIS VEHICLE CONTROLLED ITSELF, I WAS NOT IN CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE. FOR MORE THAN HALF AN HOUR, THE TRUCK WAS JERKING HARD BACK AND FORTH IF I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKES. THE WHEELS WERE NOT MOVING ANY TIME. I COULD NOT EXIT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BODY WAS JERKING. I THOUGHT ABOUT JUMPING OUT BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HIT SOMEONE OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, HURT FROM JUMPING AND FALLING, ETC. THE VEHICLE CABIN FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SUV AND HELD TOGETHER WITH SPRINGS. MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER AS A RESULT OF THIS. THE FLASHER STOPPED WORKING AFTER A COUPLE MINUTES. I PUSHED THE STARTER/STOP BUTTON, THE REMOTE LOCK, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, ETC. BUT NOTHING KEPT THE TRUCK FROM MOVING UNLESS I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR OVER HALF HOUR. ALSO, I HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH GEICO TOW AND BMW TOW WHILE THIS WAS TAKING PLACE. I COULD NOT CONTROL THIS VEHICLE! THE DAMAGES WERE EXTENSIVE TO THIS VEHICLE THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO GET BMWUSA TO AUTHORIZE THE REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IN ALL HIS YEARS, HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULD NOT GET THE X3 TO MOVE EITHER. I WANT PASSPORT BMW TO FULLY DISCLOSE ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE TO THE NEW OWNERS BECAUSE THEY APPEAR TO MINIMIZE DAMAGES IN THEIR REPORT TO ME. AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE, I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I WILL NEVER DRIVE/RIDE IN THAT X3. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE PEOPLE THAT PURCHASE THAT X3. *TR