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.

2014 BMW I3

○ Not enough data

2014 BMW I3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:02.298Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 54
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2014: 54 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2014	54
2015	47
2016	33
2017	53
2018	14
2019	13
2020	0
2021	1
2022	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

26% · 14 reports

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, 2018-06-22

Engine

17% · 9 reports

Air bags

15% · 8 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owned a 2014 BMW I3.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-16

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, 2015-03-04

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, 2023-12-28

Structure

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

The roof of the BMW started delaminating a few years back, and it is compromising the structural integrity of this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-02

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, 2018-01-03

Steering

13% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2014-09-08Air bags14V422000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-11-25Air bags15V628000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-25Fuel system, gasoline17V088000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-01-12Air bags17V720000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2014 BMW I3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V422000 · Air bags
Recall 15V628000 · Air bags
Recall 17V088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 17V720000 · Air bags

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.