2014 BMW X3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 86 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2014 BMW X3, 8% of the 86 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear brake light continue to go out intermittently. Vehicle sometimes displays the warning message on the dash only a portion of the time. When the light does come on, it is about 5-10 minutes after starting the car and driving it a few miles. Took my X3 to a service center in atlanta where I was told they couldn't find anything wrong with the brake lights. Warning light returned 48 hours later. After some research, it seems like my 2014 X3 is not the only one with this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11141155, filed 2018-10, 70,000 miles“During replacement of the xenon headlamp bulbs on the vehicle I noticed that all the vinyl wire covering material had become brittle and cracked off most of the copper wire in side both the headlamp assemblies. The now exposed bare wiring posses potential fire hazards and also loss of lighting at night. I believe that the oem headlamp supplier supplied out of spec wire and should remedy this potentially dangerous life safety situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10577367, filed 2014-04, 75,000 miles“The soldering on the circuit board that controls the LED tail lights fail and are not serviceable. Also the on board diagnostics does not alert when when the LED tail lights are out”
NHTSA complaint #11054015, filed 2017-12, 45,000 miles“I am filing a safety complaint regarding a catastrophic timing chain failure on my 2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i equipped with the N20 engine. While driving, the timing chain and oil pump drive chain failed without warning. This is a well-documented defect on BMW N20/N26 engines that has been the subject of extended warranties and numerous consumer complaints. This failure can cause sudden engine seizure, immediate loss of power steering and braking assist, and creates a serious risk of crash while the vehicle is in motion. …”
NHTSA complaint #11732798, filed 2026-04“The high beams on the car malfunctioned. The sheathing material on the wires is supposedly “Soy based” and breaks down with heat and time. When the wire insulation breaks down beyond a certain point, it will crumble off of the wires, leading to exposed wires, which may touch each other, and cause certain functions of the headlamp to fail. If the headlamp fails while driving at night, vision may be impaired, or completely impossible. The issue likely affects almost every bmw produced from ~2007, to at least 2014. …”
NHTSA complaint #11633264, filed 2024-12Related service bulletins
- 10146962Nov 1, 2016"HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE VISIBLE INTERNAL MOISTURE/CONDENSATION. Water on the inside (A) or misting (B) of both headlight lenses that is visible from outside. Water inside the…
- 10147028Aug 1, 2016WASHER FLUID LEAKS FROM THE HEADLIGHT WASHER JETS. Washer fluid leaks from the headlight cleaning washer jets. Calcification buildup causes washer fluid to leak out of the…
- 10147149May 1, 2015Check Control Message with Rear Light Failure. Intermittently, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed for one or more rear light failures: ? Rear light ? Brake light ? Rear…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2014 BMW X3
30 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology