VehicleVerdict

2014 BMW i3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median i3 year — the 2014 model ranks #1 of 9 i3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (14), engine (10), and airbags (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

77

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other i3 years?

i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted77 complaints2014: 77 complaints2015: 62 complaints2016: 41 complaints2017: 70 complaints2018: 17 complaints2019: 21 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints
i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 BMW i3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1418%
Engine1013%
Airbags810%
Steering79%
Electrical System68%
Speed Control68%
Body & Structure68%
Tires & Wheels68%
Fuel System56%
Other34%
Suspension34%
Seat Belts23%
Brakes11%

Does the 2014 BMW i3 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V720000AirbagsNovember 16, 2017 · 32,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

Remedy

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.

17V088000Fuel SystemFebruary 9, 2017 · 19,130 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

15V628000AirbagsOctober 7, 2015 · 6,073 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

14V422000AirbagsJuly 14, 2014 · 27 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 16, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND REMAINED STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2015 · crash

“SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS STEERING FEELS HARD TO TURN. SEEMS LIKE STEERING WANT TO REMAIN CENTERED OR OVERLY TURNS SUDDENLY AT LOW SPEED. VERY RANDOM. I LOOKED ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES STORED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 29, 2020

“I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A COMMERCIAL BUIDLING. I REMEMBER SLOWING DOWN AS I APPROACHED THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CAR SLOWED, IT SUDDENLY JERKED AND THEN ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO GO OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING HEADER AND COLLIDE INTO BUILDING EXTERIOR AND METAL GATE. THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 21, 2016 · crash

2014 BMW i3 — common questions

Is the 2014 BMW i3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 2014 model at #1 of 9 i3 years. It is one of the i3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 i3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (14 complaints), engine (10 complaints), airbags (8 complaints).

Does the 2014 BMW i3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 BMW i3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 BMW i3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW i3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the i3 years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among i3 years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.