2014 BMW i3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#2 most-complained of 6 i3 years
The 2014 BMW i3 ranks 2nd worst out of 6 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 54 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and an Avoid verdict. Engine and transmission issues each account for 26% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 54
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 81.5
- 89 city / 74 hwy
Top 2014 BMW i3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine14 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (26%)
- Airbags8 (15%)
- Steering7 (13%)
- Structure & Body7 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (13%)
- Electrical System6 (11%)
- Fuel System5 (9%)
- Other3 (6%)
- Seat Belts2 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or jerking motions at low speeds that led to crashes into fixed objects.
- Some drivers experienced airbags that failed to deploy during frontal or rear-end crashes, tied to a Takata-related recall.
- Adaptive cruise control reportedly failed to detect slowing traffic ahead, requiring manual braking to avoid a collision.
- Several complaints describe a 'drivetrain malfunction, stop and turn off engine' warning that immobilized the vehicle, sometimes recurring multiple times in one day.
- Owners report tires puncturing easily at very low speeds, going flat after minor curb contact or small debris.
- One complaint describes the passenger airbag sensor failing to detect an occupant after extended driving, disabling airbag deployment.
2014 BMW i3 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V720000Nov 16, 2017Airbags32,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
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.
- NHTSA 17V088000Feb 9, 2017Fuel System19,130 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
- NHTSA 15V628000Oct 7, 2015Airbags6,073 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
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.
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.
2014 BMW i3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 89 MPG
- Highway
- 74 MPG
- Combined
- 81.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other i3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 BMW i3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2014 i3 has a complaint index of 80 and ranks 2nd worst among the 6 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other i3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW i3?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues each make up 26% of the 54 total complaints, followed by Airbags at 15%.
- Does the 2014 BMW i3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 i3, covering airbags (two separate campaigns) and the fuel system, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2014 i3 compare to other years?
- The 2014 i3 has a complaint index of 80, worse than 2015 (60), 2016 (40), 2018 (0), and 2019 (20), but slightly better than 2017 (100), the worst year.
- What is the median mileage for engine failures on the 2014 i3?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 14,307.5 miles at the time of reported engine failures.