2014 BMW I3 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 BMW I3.

4
recalls
54
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2014 BMW I3 recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 17V720000 · reported November 16, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 32,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 17V088000 · reported February 9, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 19,130 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk
A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 15V628000 · reported October 7, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 6,073 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
The fix
MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 14V422000 · reported July 14, 2014 · BMW of North America, LLC · 27 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling a certain model year BMW i3 vehicle manufactured March 31, 2014, and certain 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop vehicles manufactured February 2, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an air bag inflator that was not assembled correctly. This could cause the air bag to not deploy properly in the event of an accident.
The risk
If the air bag deploys improperly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bags, the seat occupant may be at an increased risk of injury.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 2, 2026 · Structure

The roof of the BMW started delaminating a few years back, and it is compromising the structural integrity of this vehicle. In an attempt to fix the roof, epoxy was applied after it was smoothed down and the roof looked aesthetically pleasing for about a year, until it started delaminating rapidly in the same spots…

May 11, 2026 · Power train

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN […] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mar 31, 2026 · Engine · 154,140 miles

The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was…

Mar 2, 2026 · Power train

BMW Service Bulletin SI B22 04 15 to replace motor mount bolts and other components due to failure in 2016 was done on my vehicle in 2016. BMW has replaced all motor mounts in 2014 and 2015 i3's in Europe. The motor mounts were redesigned for 2016 and newer models. From online forums I see that many of the 2014 and…

Aug 15, 2025 · Power train

back in march 2025 my 2014 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. The car's propulsion died while driving. I was driving in the street on the way home from picking up my chidren from school when the power completely shut off while driving. I had a full battery charge and also had about 44 miles worth of…

I3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2014 45430
2015 34711
2016 23330
2017 35321

Across all years, the 2014 I3 has the most complaints (54). All BMW I3 years →

Questions

Does the 2014 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 BMW I3, the most recent reported on November 16, 2017 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW I3?
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (14 complaints), followed by engine (9).
How many 2014 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 2, 2026.