NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
This page covers 7 recalls, 151 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 BMW 328d.
36 mpg combined
6.5 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2014 BMW 328d draws a high volume of complaints centered almost entirely on its diesel powertrain. The dominant pattern involves the high-pressure fuel pump failing, often without warning, causing the engine to stall or lose power while driving. Owners frequently describe the vehicle entering limp mode accompanied by an "Engine Malfunction" warning, and in many cases the car shuts off entirely and requires a full stop and restart before it will move again, still in reduced-power limp mode. The fuel system complaints closely mirror the engine reports, which makes sense given the overlap, pump failure cascades into both categories. A recurring detail across multiple reports is that there is little or no advance warning before the loss of propulsion occurs, with no dashboard indicator lighting up until the failure is already underway or complete.
151
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
11
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 BMW 328D has 7 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the EGR cooler module, which can cause the intake manifold to melt, and two separate airbag inflator defects where metal fragments can fly into the cabin.
The EGR-related fire risk is shared across two filings but describes the same underlying defect. On the airbag side, the driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture explosively, sending sharp fragments toward the driver or other occupants, while a separate side curtain airbag inflator can also rupture and scatter metal fragments inside or outside the vehicle. The high-pressure diesel fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving, raising the risk of a crash. On the drivetrain side, the constant-velocity joint that transfers power to the rear axle can wear and fail, causing a sudden loss of rear-wheel drive and reduced vehicle control; this recall only affects xDrive all-wheel-drive models. There is also a lighting concern: the side marker lights can stop illuminating, making the vehicle harder to see at night.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 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 exhaust gas recirculation cooler can leak internally, allowing coolant to mix with engine soot and create smoldering particles that may melt the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail, potentially causing the engine to lose fuel pressure and stop running.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high-pressure 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 constant-velocity joint that transfers power from the transfer case to the rear drive shaft may become damaged, causing loss of power to the rear wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler can leak internally, allowing coolant to mix with diesel soot. High temperatures may cause these particles to smolder and damage the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler. If leakage already occurred, the intake manifold will also be replaced 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.