BMW 3 Series 2012–2018 problems by year and mileage
F30/F31/F34 (6th generation)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,215 complaints, 628 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 7
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine3 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system2 reports
- Airbag system1 report
Recall areas Engine and engine cooling — engine · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system · Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- 48,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 331
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine111 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Electrical system72 reports
- Airbag system53 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — wiring · Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- 62,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 407
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine111 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system79 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Electrical system78 reports · median 65,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Electrical system — wiring · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 214
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Electrical system71 reports
- Engine and its cooling system45 reports
- Engine44 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — wiring · Air bags — frontal · Air bags — side/window
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- 27,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 105
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine28 reports
- Electrical system26 reports
- Brakes19 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — wiring · Fuel system, diesel · Fuel system, diesel — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 78
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine33 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise23 reports
- Electrical system12 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, diesel · Fuel system, diesel — delivery · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 73
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine23 reports
- Electrical system15 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system13 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, diesel · Fuel system, diesel — delivery · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2014; earliest: the 2016, and the 2014 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age). 3 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2012–2018 BMW 3 Series reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 52,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 113,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 628
- Recalls
- 19
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine29.1% of complaints · median 64,000 mi
- Electrical system22.6% of complaints · median 60,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system13.5% of complaints · median 58,000 mi
Owners filed 1,215 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012–2018 BMW 3 Series; the engine leads with 29.1% of them, and half of the 628 that record an odometer reading came by 52,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 17,000 to 83,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2012–2018 BMW 3 Series last?
On the 2012–2018 BMW 3 Series, half of the 628 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 52,000 miles and 90% by 113,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
22 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 2 past 200,000 — each one proof that a 3 Series reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · BMW 3 Series 2012–2018 · 628 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 108 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 2 complaints (0.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 4,000
- 25%
- 17,000
- Median
- 52,000
- 75%
- 83,000
- 90%
- 113,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 108 | 17.2% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 65 | 10.4% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 40 | 6.4% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 41 | 6.5% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 45 | 7.2% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 54 | 8.6% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 43 | 6.8% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 57 | 9.1% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 41 | 6.5% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 32 | 5.1% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 25 | 4.0% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 21 | 3.3% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 16 | 2.5% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 10 | 1.6% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 8 | 1.3% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 7 | 1.1% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 4 | 0.6% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 7 | 1.1% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 2 | 0.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common 3 Series problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · BMW 3 Series 2012–2018
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes107 reportsmedian 11,000middle half 2,000–37,000
- Problems owners could not categorise159 reportsmedian 36,000middle half 22,000–63,000
- Transmission and driveline124 reportsmedian 43,000middle half 7,500–76,000
- Fuel and propulsion system164 reportsmedian 58,000middle half 30,000–85,000
- Electrical system274 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 27,000–100,000
- Engine353 reportsmedian 64,000middle half 27,000–85,000
- Engine and its cooling system151 reportsmedian 99,000middle half 80,000–125,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 353 | 29.1% | 64,000 | 27,000–85,000 |
| Electrical system | 274 | 22.6% | 60,000 | 27,000–100,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 164 | 13.5% | 58,000 | 30,000–85,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 159 | 13.1% | 36,000 | 22,000–63,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 151 | 12.4% | 99,000 | 80,000–125,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 124 | 10.2% | 43,000 | 7,500–76,000 |
| Brakes | 107 | 8.8% | 11,000 | 2,000–37,000 |
| Airbag system | 98 | 8.1% | 48,000 | 10,000–67,000 |
| Body structure | 52 | 4.3% | 26,000 | 10,000–47,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 47 | 3.9% | 12,000 | 7,500–38,000 |
Known problems with the 2012–2018 3 Series
Engine 2012–2016
N20/N26 timing chain and chain guide failure: the plastic guides are made from a material that embrittles and disintegrates, the chain then stretches or jumps, and the engine is commonly destroyed. Failures cluster around 50,000-80,000 miles. BMW of North America extended timing chain module warranty coverage to 7 years / 70,000 miles and a US class action settlement covered MY2012-2015 vehicles.
Engine
N20 oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket oil leaks.
Engine 2012–2015
N55 valve stem seal failure producing heavy blue smoke on startup.
Before you buy a 2012–2018 3 Series: the 3-minute check
Generated from 628 mileage-tagged complaints, 19 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 19 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for brakes repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 11,000 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Check engine on 2012–2016 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine.
- Check engine on 2012–2015 cars.
- Years differ here: from 7 to 407 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
3 Series problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi56% below | At 90k mi79% below | At 120k mi91% below | At 150k mi96% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27,000–85,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 27,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 30,000–85,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 22,000–63,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 80,000–125,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 7,500–76,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 2,000–37,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · BMW 3 Series 2012–2018 · 628 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 56% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 79% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2012–2018 BMW 3 Series recalls (19)
NHTSA records 19 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (4), the engine and its cooling system (4), fuel system, diesel (3) (why one area can repeat).
Dec 2025 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk…
The 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)…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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.
Oct 2025 · 2018 · Fuel System, DieselSmoldering particles and a melting intake manifold increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 328D SportsWagon, 328D xDrive SportsWagon, 328D xDrive, and 328D diesel vehicles equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally…
What can happen. Smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the EGR cooler, inspect and replace the intake manifold, if necessary, and clean the EGR pipe connecting the cooler to the manifold, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
Aug 2024 · 2013–2016 · Electrical SystemAn electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The 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…
What can happen. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. 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…
Jul 2024 · 2014–2015 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing…
The 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…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The free fix. 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.
Apr 2024 · 2014–2015 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk…
The 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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.
Oct 2023 · 2012 · Engine and Engine CoolingLoose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4…
What can happen. Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June…
Mar 2022 · 2012 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving…
The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi…
What can happen. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The free fix. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected…
Nov 2021 · 2014–2018 · Fuel System, DieselA melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
The 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…
What can happen. A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. 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…
Jul 2021 · 2014–2018 · Fuel System, DieselFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.
Mar 2020 · 2014–2016 · Power TrainA loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Jan 2020 · 2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March…
Oct 2018 · 2014–2018 · Engine and Engine CoolingThe melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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…
What can happen. The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. 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…
Sep 2018 · 2018 · EquipmentAn electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive…
What can happen. An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at…
Jul 2018 · 2018 · Engine and Engine CoolingA vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a…
What can happen. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Aug 2015 · 2013–2015 · Exterior LightingIf the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of…
The 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…
What can happen. If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Mar 2015 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Oct 2014 · 2013–2014 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a…
The 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…
What can happen. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Sep 2013 · 2013–2014 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a…
The 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…
What can happen. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Apr 2012 · 2012 · SeatsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the head restraint may unexpectedly move down slightly if it was adjusted to…
The defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 BMW 3-series vehicles manufactured from october 19, 2011, through march 18, 2012, that have front seat head restraints that exceed the downward movement limit of 25mm in the highest position. Thus, these vehicles fail…
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the head restraint may unexpectedly move down slightly if it was adjusted to the fully extended position, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will attach a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,215 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 94 (7.7%)
- Fires
- 50
- Injury reports
- 57
- Fatality reports
- 0
3 Series problems by model year
The 2014 drew the most complaints of this generation, 407, most of them about the engine, and the 2018 the fewest among the 6 years with at least 20 complaints, 73. A typical year drew about 160.
That makes the 2014 stand out at roughly 2.6 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 7 | 6 | under 30 reports | Engine (3) | 3 |
| 2013 | 331 | 197 | 48,000 | Engine (111) | 5 |
| 2014 | 407 | 244 | 62,000† | Engine (111) | 12 |
| 2015 | 214 | 91 | 50,000† | Electrical system (71) | 8 |
| 2016 | 105 | 45 | 27,000† | Engine (28) | 5 |
| 2017 | 78 | 18 | under 30 reports | Engine (33) | 3 |
| 2018 | 73 | 27 | under 30 reports | Engine (23) | 6 |
What 3 Series owners reported
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable and the malfunction warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle…
2014 · 120,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330E. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway at the residence and turning off the vehicle, there was a sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact immediately disconnected the auxiliary battery, but the clicking noise persisted. The contact opened the…
2017 · 120,000 miles · Electrical system
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…
2014 · 77,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and started chugging. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. However, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an…
2014 · 79,000 miles · Fuel system, diesel
Built from 628 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other 3 Series generations
- 3 Series 1999–2005 1,865 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- 3 Series 2006–2011 2,998 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system