2014 BMW i3 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2014 BMW i3
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal.
- Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2016 BMW i3 earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: high voltage battery & charging (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2014 BMW i3?
The 2014 BMW i3 is a remarkably innovative and fun-to-drive urban electric vehicle, but potential buyers must be aware of its early EV technology and specific range extender challenges. This isn't a purchase for the faint of heart; it's a car that demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and an understanding of its unique quirks to avoid unexpected costs down the road.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust electric motor (BEV models)
- Corrosion-resistant carbon fiber body
- Excellent maneuverability and urban agility
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2014 BMW i3. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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."
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.
What breaks on the 2014 BMW i3?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2014 BMW i3? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
BMW i3 by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the BMW i3. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2014 BMW i3
Parts and accessories matched to your 2014 BMW i3
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2014 BMW i3? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your BMW i3's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the BMW i3
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.