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 335i powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 BMW 335i have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 335i | 11 |
| 2013 335i | 7 |
| 2014 335i (this page) | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 BMW 335i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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.
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 ↗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 ↗8HP: TRANSMISSION FLUID LOSS FROM COOLER LINES CONNECTIONS. There is a transmission fluid leak in the area around the oil cooler lines (on the transmission side). CAUSE Damaged O-rings due to unfavorable cooling line connection tolerances
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The symptom: the car misses or shutters under load. The dealership informed me that the car needs a new transfer case. The vehicle has 80k miles. This is a major drivetrain failure in my opinion for a car of this age with average miles and continually serviced by the dealership and driven by two people. Today I read about a recall for a 2014 model 328d that requires replace the constant-velocity…
The symptom: the car misses or shutters under load. The problem started as intermittent but is becoming worse. The dealership has informed me today that the car needs a new transfer case. The vehicle is a just over 6yrs old with 82k miles. This is a major drivetrain failure in my opinion for a car of this age with average miles and continually serviced by the dealership and driven by two old…
Driving on 4 lane road at 40mph when 2104 BMW 335i xdrive vehicle experienced total failure-starting with the navigation screen then the entire dashboard went black and engine shutdown (all in few seconds). There was no shoulder (concrete curb) so vehicle came to stop in the right lane. Headlights were "stuck" on but nothing else worked including the emergency flashers! Contacted BMW assist but…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 BMW 335i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 44,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.