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 328i powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 BMW 328i have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 39,800 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 328i | 25 |
| 2012 328i | 20 |
| 2013 328i | 29 |
| 2014 328i (this page) | 9 |
| 2015 328i | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 9 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 BMW 328i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 5 model years of BMW 328i we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (9).
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N20 and N26 Differential Pressure Sensor Fault: 195002 Stored in DME: The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following differential pressure sensor fault stored: 195002 - Differential pressure sensor, tank vent valve, electrical: Short circuit to ground During engine operation, vibration and movement of the sensor can damage the pin contacts of the harness connector, or cause a break in the wiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS - LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YRS/120000 MILES: 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Was experiencing an abnormal noise from the middle of the car while accelerating and de accelerating, brought to BMW dealership and was told I needed a new transfer case, was also told this issue was abnormal with my car having less miles than intended for what year it was. They also said eventually my AWD function would no longer work if not replaced in my 328i xdrive
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 BMW 328i?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,615 and 62,000 miles, with the median around 39,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,615; a quarter make it past 62,000. 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.