YearToAvoid

2014 BMW 428i Electrical System Problems

Electrical System complaints make up 17 of 36 total complaints (47%) for the 2014 BMW 428i, the median failure mileage is 69,850. A related recall, campaign 24V608000, covers the water pump and plug connector on the electrical system.

Electrical System complaints
17
47% of 36
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
69,850 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Door locks engage on their own after parking or starting the car, trapping occupants inside due to a failed door lock actuator.
  • Tail light wiring harness connectors overheat and short circuit, knocking out the brake light and turn signal on that side.
  • Brake light wiring harness melts repeatedly, sometimes paired with a loss of power on the highway.
  • Owners notified of recall 24V608000 report a burning odor inside the cabin while driving at various speeds.
  • Several owners waiting on the 24V608000 recall repair say replacement parts were unavailable for extended periods, in one case over four months.
  • Convertible hard top electrical module fails along with the fuel pump, leaving the top unable to fully close.

When 2014 BMW 428i electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 29, 2018, latest Jun 11, 2025.

2014 BMW 428i electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2018Aug 2020Dec 2021Nov 2024Feb 2025Apr 2025
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to Jun 2025; peak Feb 2025 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2014 BMW 428i

  1. NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System complaints by 428i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201417 (47%)
  2. 201535 (45%)
  3. 201624 (56%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2014 BMW 428i?
NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints out of 36 total complaints for the 2014 428i, which is 47% of all complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2014 BMW 428i?
Yes. Recall campaign 24V608000 covers the 2014 428i for the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system, with a summary describing inspection and replacement of the water pump and plug connector plus installation of a protective shield.
What mileage do electrical failures happen at on this car?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 69,850 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2014 428i.
What specific electrical symptoms do owners report?
Owners describe door locks trapping people inside, tail light and brake light wiring harnesses overheating or melting, and a burning odor tied to the 24V608000 recall while parts were unavailable.
Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these electrical complaints?
NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2014 428i lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.