After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 BMW 328d powertrain problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering assist when maneuvering or parking the vehicle. For the basic steering gears, one possible cause is that the mounting bolts for the electric motor may become loose, missing and/or broken due to corrosion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12. Microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N47T/N57T EGR COOLER - LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMIT: The vehicle demonstrates a power loss and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"F15, F30 PHEVs- Gear Selector Plausibility Faults. The Check Control message ""Drive: Stop carefully"" (CCM-ID: 569) is displayed. The following fault codes may be stored in the transmission EGS control module (GKEG3HY3): 44D663 - Position plausibility: Driver's choice N/P from D/R not executed CF1701 - Gear selector switch interface, communication failure CF17A1 - Message missing: receiver EGS (A-CAN), transmitter selector switch (A-CAN) EGS software diagnostic function"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 BMW 328D vehicles describe powertrain failures across several distinct systems, most occurring outside factory warranty (which expired at roughly 50,000 miles on these now-ten-year-old cars).
Fuel system failures start early—one owner reported complete shutdown at 52,000 miles requiring a $5,000 repair for high-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail sensor, and pressure valve replacement. The same owner notes BMW issued recalls for identical fuel defects on all other 2014 328 models but excluded the 328D, citing low production volume. Dealership service records reportedly confirm multiple 328D models with the same fuel failure.
Transfer case failures appear most frequently in complaints. Owners describe sudden loss of all drive power during routine driving—turning, accelerating onto highways, or straight-line driving—accompanied by loud noise and "drivetrain malfunction" warnings (or no warnings at all). Power loss occurs at mileages ranging from 123,000 to 170,000 miles. One owner notes BMW has since upgraded the transfer case design and no longer stocks the older part, suggesting manufacturer awareness of the defect.
EGR cooler leakage (Recall 21V-907) creates intake manifold contamination requiring expensive replacement; one owner was charged $1,281 before the recall remedy became available.
Drivetrain stalling and acceleration loss recurs across four separate instances on one vehicle, beginning at only 11,564 miles, with sensor and fuel control valve replacements yielding temporary fixes.
ABS and traction control failures occur in winter conditions, with frozen wheel sensors disabling the xDrive system entirely.
Failure modes owners describe
High-pressure fuel pump and fuel system failure
Fuel pump, fuel rail sensor, and fuel rail pressure valve fail, causing sudden loss of engine power and complete vehicle shutdown. Owners report BMW recalled the same fuel system defect in all other 2014 328 models but excluded the 328D.
When: 52,000 miles; occurred within first 20 days of ownership (2,000 miles out of warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving at highway speed; Vehicle shuts down entirely; Powertrain malfunction warning appears on display
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: BMW quoted $5,000 for high-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail sensor, and fuel rail pressure valve replacement. Owner reports dealership confirmed multiple 2014 328D models have presented with identical fuel system failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2014 BMW 328D despite identical fuel system recall covering all other 2014 328 models.
EGR cooler internal leak with intake system damage
EGR cooler defect (Recall 21V-907) causes internal leakage leading to consequential damage to the intake system, including intake air leaks, charge pipe failure, V-band clamp displacement, brittle/cracked fuel lines, and loss of intake system integrity. Owners report risk of engine overheating, thermal degradation, loss of power under boost, and fire hazard.
When: Symptoms occurred during and after recall repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Audible air leaks from intake system; Intake pressure loss under boost; Performance degradation; Engine overheating risk; Exhaust gas leakage; Heavy intake manifold buildup requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was charged $1,281 plus labor for intake manifold replacement in October 2021 (before recall remedy was available in November 2021); owner reports BMW corporate stated dealer should provide 'treated act reimbursement' but dealer refused.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V-907 issued November 2021; dealership refused to authorize inspection or repairs pending corporate authorization per recall.
Transfer case failure causing loss of drive power
Transfer case abruptly fails, causing sudden loss of all drive power to wheels (AWD reverts to FWD or complete drive loss). Occurs without warning or error codes in some cases, leaving vehicle immobilized and requiring towing. Multiple owners report this affects older 328D XDrive models; BMW has since upgraded the transfer case.
When: 123,000 miles; 170,000 miles; mileage unspecified on other occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all drive power to wheels; Loud bang or noise preceding failure; Vehicle coasts to a stop with no power; AWD function lost; vehicle reverts to FWD only or becomes immobilized; No error codes displayed in some cases; 'drivetrain malfunction' displayed in others
Codes mentioned: Drivetrain malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement required. One owner explicitly notes BMW has since upgraded the transfer case and no longer sells the old model, suggesting manufacturer awareness of design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple owners reporting identical transfer case failures on older 328D XDrive models. BMW has upgraded transfer case in newer models.
Parking brake failure allowing vehicle rollback
Vehicle rolls backward on inclined surface after shifting to park, despite transmission being in park position. Electric parking brake functions correctly when engaged.
When: 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on inclined driveway after parking; Park (P) setting fails to hold vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner contacted manufacturer and was referred to NHTSA; related to Recall 20V185000 (Powertrain) but VIN was not included in recall.
Drivetrain malfunction causing stalling and loss of acceleration
Engine stalls or fails to accelerate without warning; 'drivetrain malfunction' error code displays. Four separate occurrences over time on same vehicle. First occurrence at only 11,564 miles.
When: First occurrence at 11,564 miles; second at 20,564 miles (9,000 miles later); third six weeks after second; fourth shortly thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls during operation; Loss of acceleration capability; Drivetrain malfunction error code displayed; Faults detected but not reliably reproducible by dealer technicians; Three of four occurrences on highway or busy streets at 60+ mph
Codes mentioned: Drivetrain malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: First occurrence: faults cleared, no action taken (not reproducible). Second occurrence: sensor replaced, faults cleared. Third occurrence: fuel quantity control valve replaced. Fourth occurrence: vehicle towed again.
Sudden loss of drive with transfer case failure during turns
Transfer case fails abruptly during vehicle operation (turning), accompanied by loud noise. Vehicle loses all drive function, shifts to neutral involuntarily, and becomes immobilized on roadway, forcing towing.
When: Mileage unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang or noise during operation; Sudden complete loss of drive power; Vehicle shifts to neutral involuntarily; Drivetrain malfunction warning appears
Codes mentioned: Drivetrain malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case required replacement.
ABS and traction control failure in winter conditions
After parking in snowy conditions, vehicle loses ABS function, traction control, and effective steering control. Wheel sensors reportedly freeze during cold/snowy weather, disabling xDrive AWD system and making vehicle extremely difficult to control.
When: After extended parking in unplowed snowy area
Symptoms owners cite: ABS flashing on dash / ABS failure; Traction control flashing on dash / failure; Loss of effective steering control; Vehicle slides uncontrollably; xDrive system becomes inoperative; Multiple warnings flash on dashboard simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: No codes were available when vehicle was scanned by independent mechanic and BMW certified mechanic. Speculation was that wheel sensors froze.
Major power loss with transmission and transfer case failure
Vehicle experiences sudden major loss of driving power and loss of transmission control at moderate highway speed. Dealer diagnosis reveals premature component failure/manufacturing defect, requiring transmission and transfer case replacement.
When: 58,000 miles; warranty had expired in December 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Major loss of driving power while driving straight; No transmission control; Vehicle can only move very slowly (~10 mph) after pulling to side
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and transfer case were replaced. Dealer stated this was premature component failure/manufacturing defect. Post-repair efficiency indicators showed major improvement, indicating problem existed since new and deteriorated over time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer declined to absorb repair costs; complaint was submitted to manufacturer corporate office.
CV joint failure with oil leak and front-end jerking
CV joint on driver's side fails, causing oil leak, smoke and burning odor from that wheel area, and jerking from front driver's side wheel. Occurs at 133,000 miles and is related to Recall 20V185000 (Powertrain) but this vehicle's VIN was not included in recall.
When: 133,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking near front driver's side tire; Cloud of smoke and burning odor from driver's side wheel area; Smoke dissipates while idling; Jerking from front driver's side wheel
Repairs/costs cited: CV joint replacement required. Brakes had been serviced but CV joint had not been replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V185000 (Powertrain) was issued but this vehicle's VIN was excluded from recall. Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Loss of all drive power with no error codes
Vehicle loses all drive power while accelerating to enter interstate; engine revs high but no power reaches wheels. No error messages displayed. Vehicle becomes immobilized and requires towing.
When: Mileage unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all drive power during acceleration; Engine revs high with no corresponding power delivery; No error messages displayed; Vehicle immobilized on roadway
Repairs/costs cited: Defective transfer case identified as cause.
Engine fire following drivetrain malfunction
Vehicle experiences loss of power and displays 'drivetrain malfunction, drive cautiously' warning. Owner pulled vehicle to roadside, but vehicle caught fire and was engulfed in flames within five minutes, resulting in total loss.
When: Mileage unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of drive power; Drivetrain malfunction warning displayed; Vehicle fire ignition; Rapid fire spread (engulfed within 5 minutes)
Codes mentioned: Drivetrain malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss; vehicle destroyed by fire.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 BMW 328d?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 BMW 328d?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 56,440 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 71,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,440; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/BMW/328d.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.