2014 BMW I3
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 46 |
| 2016 | 33 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN THE VEHICLE ENTERS A 'FAULT' MODE, SUCH AS DRIVE MOTOR MALFUNCTION, THE CARS DISCONTINUES POWER TO THE DRIVE MOTOR, ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO ROLL TO A STOP, THEN ELECTRONICALLY PUTS THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180622
17% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 BMW I3.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160216
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150304
I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue I have been facing with my 2014 BMW i3, VIN: [XXX] .
NHTSA ODI report, 20231228
13% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER'S DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE OR DOES NOT LATCH. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT UNLATCHES/OPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING AS WELL. BMW DEALERSHIP STATES THAT IT REQUIRED OIL ON THE LATCH BUT THAT HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180103
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 14V422000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 15V628000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles.
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.
Campaign 17V088000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V720000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2014 BMW I3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V422000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V628000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V088000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V720000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2014 BMW I3 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW I3?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW I3 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.