Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 18 | 21% |
| Engine | 12 | 14% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 7% |
| Air bags | 5 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 3% |
| Steering | 3 | 3% |
| Power train | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Had an oil change through BMW with their pre-packaged oil service. 6 days later my oil pump chain guard broke inside the engine and now they're telling me I need a new engine which cost $33,000. I believe the chain guard
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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: 24V52700
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
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. Thi
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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
NHTSA complaint: 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 ligh
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
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
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
| Reliability raw | 67 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| Maintenance | 50 | average |
| Depreciation | 37 | below average |
| Performance | 62 | average |
| Efficiency | 42 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine and engine cooling is the most reported area with 18 of them (21%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 67/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 56/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.