repaired · 2019 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
2014 BMW I3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 54 owner complaints about the 2014 BMW I3, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-628 the manufacturer reports only 93% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2014 BMW I3 has problems
54 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Power train
9Engine
8Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
7Structure
7Steering
6Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system
5Wheels
5Fuel/propulsion system
96 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 2 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 9 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2014 BMW I3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
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.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Air bags: frontal
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2014 vs. every other I3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the I3 median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2014 BMW I3, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What I3 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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…
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…
Own a 2014 I3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.