NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may fail at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
This page covers 6 recalls, 51 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 BMW 320i.
27–28 mpg combined
8.4–8.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2014 BMW 320i cluster most heavily around cooling system and lighting failures. On the engine side, owners frequently report the electric water pump failing, which triggers an overheating warning on the instrument cluster, a loss of power, and the engine dropping to a rough idle, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. Several owners describe the problem recurring shortly after letting the engine cool down, suggesting the pump itself stops functioning rather than a one-time overheat event. Exterior lighting draws an equal share of complaints, though the specific symptoms vary across reports. The fuel and propulsion system rounds out the top complaints, with owners describing power loss and propulsion issues that overlap with the cooling-related failures. A smaller number of reports mention seatbelts failing to extend when pulled.
51
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 BMW 320i has 6 recalls, the most serious involving airbag inflators that can rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, raising the risk of serious injury or death.
Three separate recalls cover airbag inflator failures across the driver frontal airbag, side airbags, and head curtain airbags. In each case, the inflator can rupture or leak at a weld joint, potentially throwing metal fragments toward occupants or out of the vehicle. On the mechanical side, the brake vacuum pump can fail and reduce braking power, making it harder to stop the car in an emergency. The fuel pump can also fail without warning, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic. A lower-severity recall covers the side marker lights, which may not illuminate and can make the vehicle harder to see at night.
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may fail at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may explode when it deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver's front air bag at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may crack at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front side marker lights may not work when the parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will upload corrected software to restore proper marker light operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump contains improperly plated components that can degrade, causing the fuel pump to fail.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump that provides brake power assistance may fail due to insufficient lubrication, potentially affecting brake operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the vehicle to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.