2014 BMW I3 recalls and problems
The 2014 BMW I3 has 4 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2014 BMW I3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2014 BMW I3 recalls
Recall 17V-720: Air Bags
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."
Risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
Recall 17V-088: Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
Risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Recall 15V-628: Air Bags
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."
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.
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.
Recall 14V-422: Air Bags
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.
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.
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.
2014 BMW I3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Engine | 9 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Structure | 7 | |
| Steering | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Wheels | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 7
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,300 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2014 BMW I3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW I3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2014 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 BMW I3: 17V-720 (air bags), 17V-088 (fuel system, gasoline), 15V-628 (air bags), 14V-422 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 BMW I3?
Owners report power train problems most often (14 reports), followed by engine (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,300 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.