2014 Bmw I3 Problems
Shopping for a used 2014 Bmw I3? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 49 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2014 Bmw I3 has 49 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2014 Bmw I3 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2014 Bmw I3. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Bmw I3 has 49 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- I3
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 49
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 124
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 137 / 111
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 150
Common problems
Most common 2014 Bmw I3 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2014 Bmw I3?
The 2014 Bmw I3 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2014 Bmw I3
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of malfunction or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on drivetrain and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of malfunction or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on drivetrain and electrical systems.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Bmw I3, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 49 NHTSA complaints for the 2014 BMW i3, issues appear concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine components, with airbag malfunctions also notable. The data suggests potential concerns in these areas, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported issue with 10 complaints.
- Engine problems follow closely with 9 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 8 complaints, indicating a potential safety-related pattern.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported component.
- Engine Problems are the second most common complaint.
- Airbag Malfunctions are a recurring theme in the data.
Full breakdown
All 2014 Bmw I3 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Bmw I3. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Bmw I3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The carbon fiber roof is delaminating and a portion of it came off and hit the front windshield of another car, causing them to partially lose control of their vehicle almost causing an accident. This is a known issue BMW has not taken an action to resolve it. I’m afraid that a l…
A large portion of the car's hood (carbon laminate?) has ripped off and is surely to continue to tear and fly off while driving.
When the vehicle depletes it's battery and switches over to the range extender or the gas engine, the car will suddenly shut off and a drivetrain error appears. This seems to only happen when the car is traveling over 55 mph. This has happened on repeated occasions. If you then …
AC Compressor for the car battery system failed. There was a check engine light that was on steady, but not flashing. The electric range in the car reduced by 20 to 30% as a result of this fault. It was brought into the BMW dealership for inspection and they determined that was…
I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue I have been facing with my 2014 BMW i3, VIN: [XXX] . Unfortunately, I have been experiencing an airbag and/or seatbelt alert problem identified as "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" with the error code 930904 displayed…
I am writing regarding an ongoing issue I am having with BMW North America and their dealerships concerning a faulty airbag in my 2014 BMW i3 electric vehicle (VIN #: [XXX] ). On multiple occasions in October 2023, BMW North America informed me that the "Driver Restraint System …
Car roof is delaminating.
Roof is bubbling showing signs of delamination. Structural integrity is in question. I believe it is due to the carbon fiber epoxy material degrading due to sunlight exposure.
While driving through a parking lot at slow speeds on 6/24/2023 around 6:30 pm in Phoenix AZ, I noticed the steering felt very heavy and the car pulled hard to the left. While driving slowly down a driveway, I checked the air pressure data and found all 4 tires at recommended lev…
Light shows on dash for airbag. I took to the dealership and they said there was a problem and needed to be replaced. The airbag was defective.
The steering becomes sluggish, hard to turn back to center. Seems as though I had a flat front tire. This was not the case. I restarted car then no longer had the problem. This has happened twice. Once to my wife and then myself.
RANGE extender intermittintly doesnt start when electric is low cause dangerous loss of complete power . exacerbated by the fact that it becomes nearly impossible for two people to push in neutral on level ground .
I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It …
Car had all warning light came on one day. We brought to a local dealer and they told me it was due to 12V battery was not charging. 1. I asked to a service rep if 12V battery could be issue w/o full diagnostic which they charged me extra. He said they needed to do it to figure …
I've had to replace the engine motor mount bolts twice in 3 years
UNBELTED SMALL ADULT CAN INCREASE NECK INJURY. FRONT AIR BAG MUST BE UPDATED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED MALFUNCTION IN POWER TRAIN WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED T…
THE WARNING MESSAGE (SHOWN IN THE PHOTO PROVIDED) APPEARED LAST NIGHT AROUND 8:00 PM.
THE LEFT BRACKET FOR THE ELECTRIC ENGINE IS CRACKED AND THE DEALER WANTS SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FOR A REPLACEMENT ONE WHICH HAPPENS TO BE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FROM A CHEAP PLASTIC PART WHICH EQUIPS MY CAR TO A MORE STUDY AND IMPROVED ONE FOR THE LATEST MODELS OF THE SAME MAKE. AS I …
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINU…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Bmw I3.
Safety recalls
2014 Bmw I3 recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Bmw I3. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2014 Bmw I3 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Bmw I3 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 49 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Bmw I3 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Bmw I3?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (10 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (9 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Bmw I3?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Bmw I3?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Bmw I3, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 49 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Bmw I3 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Bmw I3. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Bmw I3?▾
The 2014 Bmw I3 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw I3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Bmw I3 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.