Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 BMW 328i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel locked up not allowing the contact to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated the chassis stabilization warning light was illuminated on the control panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 13V454000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
I went to park my mom's car. Tapped the brakes, moved up a little, tapped the brakes again-the brakes gave out and the car lunged forward at a high speed. The only reason I stopped was because a metal fence stopped me. Earlier in the day the car switched modes by itself from Sport to Economy. This is the 2nd time this has happened in this car. The first time my mom was parking in her driveway and the brakes gave out and the car lunged into her garage. This car is not safe.
I drove the car downhill very slowly. (Good weather, no rain or anything) The traffic light turned red and I tried to brake. However, the brake felt rock hard and the car was not slowing down. In the end I read-ended the car in front of me. No one was injured because I drove very slowly. But the car will probably be totaled.
While approaching a stop light I noticed that it was much harder to stop than expected. As I let up on the brake a little I started accelerating towards the car in front of me. I reapplied the brakes much hard and was able to stop the vehicle but I could tell that I was fighting the engine. I put the car into park and the engine raced up to about 4.5k. I then just hit the off button and put my hazards on. After a few seconds, I turned the car back on and the engine behaved as expected. I drove off without incident.
The rear brakes cable holder is broken. This is a very common issue with this vehicle and appears to be a safety issue as the cables will hang and rub on the driveshaft. My service advisor, from BMW of Pembroke Pines, FL, Ramon Trull, also advised/ confirms the same. It's an inexpensive part, however, the cost to replace is exorbitant. If you search the web, you'll find many examples. I feel this should be covered under a recall. Please review and advise. Thank you!
To avoid a head on collision, I was forced off road. When I moved out of the way I immediately applied the breaks which then took some time to respond as if it was blocked or as if I didnt press the pedal. By the time I felt some sort of stopping tension I was put into a pole. Airbags did not deploy.
I was driving on the local highway and attempted to stop on red light, the car stopped first and then unexpectely jumpped up, sliding forward and hit the front vehicle while brake pedal was fully pressed.
UNKNOWN: Vehicle collided with another vehicle on highway and control system and functions stopped. Airbag on Driver's Side malfunctioned burning driver with liquid and metal.
On aug, 7th I was involved in a minor accident on the expressway. The 1st vehicle applied their brakes to avoid another 2 car accident, I applied my brakes as well however I was unable to slow down in time to avoid the 1st vehicle and I rear ended the vehicle. Both vehicles had slight damaged to their bumpers. No injuries were reported. During the time of me applying my brakes I had enough time and distance to make a judgment call to a. Hit the call in front of me or b. Hit the concrete wall medium, while at the same time saying 'wow' I am really about to hit this car. I wrestled with the thought of my brakes malfunctioned that day. Taking everything into account on a brand new car the brakes failed. When I applied my brakes it seems like I glided into the other car also I had my lunch bag and purse in the front seat. None of the items in the front seat went flying to the floor. …
We were driving down a 35 MPH rd..I slowly began to brake as we were approaching a stop light when the brakes did not hold, I hit the brake harder, the car began to buck forward, I hit the brake as hard as possible but the brakes failed to hold and only stopped when it hit the car in front of us. The police came and an accident report was made. I described the brake failure to the officer but they only seemed interested in writing up the accident report. We had the car towed to our body shop as we were afraid to drive in case the brakes failed again. Our insurance company was made aware of the accident and brake failure and a task force is looking into it. When we returned home we looked up the possible problem with brakes failing on the year and model of my car. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of power assist braking
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft…
Brake complaints in other 328i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2014 BMW 328i?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2014 BMW 328i, 14% of the model year's 152 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 BMW 328i brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-627 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Oct 7, 2014); NHTSA recall 13V-454 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 26, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 BMW 328i brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.