Owners have filed 77 complaints
about the 2014 BMW I3 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 79
Against the median year of the BMW I3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
48.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1022.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1022.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
920.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
715.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
24.4%
150,000+ miles
36.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2014peak 5May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 BMW I3
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2014 BMW I3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 2017068688 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain i3 REX models, a section of the fuel tank vent line could chafe against an adjacent ribbed wire protector. Over time, this chaffing could lead to the fuel tank vent line wearing through and leaking. Due to enclosed engine compartment of this vehicle and elevated underhood temperatures, this could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will install a clip between the fuel tank vent line and the adjacent ribbed wire protector to prevent contact, and the fuel tank vent line will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
Recall 2015446642 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 - Occupant Protection in Frontal Impacts. The internal components of the passenger frontal airbag inflator may not have been assembled properly during manufacturing. The passenger frontal airbag’s first stage (only) deployment could be affected, delaying the deployment timing of the second stage. This could result in the right front occupant not receiving the intended protection from the frontal airbag in a low speed or out-of-position crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant where airbag deployment is warranted. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag module.
Recall 20153432,966 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles, which were parked at the port of entry in Halifax during the ice storms in February 2015, may have been exposed to excessive standing water and salt for an extended period due to this isolated environmental incident. Certain MINI models could have corrosion at the starter motor power supply cable connectors, which could lead to the inability to restart the engine following an engine shutdown by the start-stop (MSA) system, increasing the risk of crash causing injury in a traffic situation. On certain BMW models, the lubrication of some internal components within the steering rack may have been exposed to excessive water or salt which could result in higher than normal steering effort or steering binding, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. In addition, electrical wires and/or connectors in all affected vehicles may have been exposed to water or salt, which could lead to increased electrical system resistance, and increase the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Owners should contact their selling Retailer regarding this recall. Affected vehicles will be inspected. Some vehicles will be taken out of service immediately and owners will be provided with temporary transportation until a new replacement vehicle is available. All other vehicles are cleared of this safety concern and may continue to be driven until a new replacement vehicle is available. Due to potential concerns about long term ve
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 16,000 milesSAN Francisco, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A COMMERCIAL BUIDLING. I REMEMBER SLOWING DOWN AS I APPROACHED THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CAR SLOWED, IT SUDDENLY JERKED AND THEN ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO GO OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING HEADER AND COLLIDE INTO BUILDING EXTERIOR AND METAL GATE. THE CAR WAS IN SLOW SPEED AS I ENTERED THE SPACE. THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISED AS I COULD SEE MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. BY THE TIME I COULD APPLY THE BREAKS, THE CAR HAD ALREADY HIT THE BUILDING WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO STOP MOVING. THE DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS APPROXIMATELY 12-15 FEET.
NHTSA complaint #10876037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cardiff BY THE SEA, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WHICH THEN CAUSED THE CONTACTS VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE THAT WAS IN FRONT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE AIR BAGS NOT TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V422000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V628000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS TO DETERMINE IF THE MANUFACTURER COULD FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10836523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesPhenix City, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #10692088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Irvine, CA
POWER TRAIN
Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,140 milesMiddle Island, NY
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 154,140.
NHTSA complaint #11728191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,140 milesMiddle Island, NY
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 154,140.
NHTSA complaint #11728191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,140 milesMiddle Island, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 154,140.
NHTSA complaint #11728191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatham, IL
POWER TRAIN
BMW Service Bulletin SI B22 04 15 to replace motor mount bolts and other components due to failure in 2016 was done on my vehicle in 2016. BMW has replaced all motor mounts in 2014 and 2015 i3's in Europe. The motor mounts were redesigned for 2016 and newer models. From online forums I see that many of the 2014 and 2015 North American i3 motor mounts continue to fail as they have on my BMW i3. I am reporting this failure in order for NHTSA to review this vehicle for a recall on motor mounts for all 2014 and 2015 USA BMW i3's.
NHTSA complaint #11721513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
POWER TRAIN
back in march 2025 my 2014 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. The car's propulsion died while driving. I was driving in the street on the way home from picking up my chidren from school when the power completely shut off while driving. I had a full battery charge and also had about 44 miles worth of gas to use. I pull over to the side of the road, turn the car off and tried to turn it back on but it wouldnt move. i was about 1 mile from home and was able to get the car towed home using AAA. The error code disappeared the next day and i kept driving the car it felt as if it the problem went away. Fast forward Augist 1 2025, the car once again shut off while in the middle of the street driving. I could not get it back on and once again had to get it towed. Once home it started back up like nothing wihtin a few hours. A week later on August 8 it did it again but this time i was driving on the freeway. I was soo afraid for my life because the car started to slow down as if it was runing out of gas and barely made it to get onto the side of the road away from traffic. Once again the car got towed home i was 4 miles away from home. These occurences continue to happen more frequently now. With each time the car started the error message reappeared and the propulsion died. This is gettting out of hand and becoming dangerous for me.
NHTSA complaint #11680869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 larger chunk may hit somebody’s car and cause a severe accident.
NHTSA complaint #11618578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11613788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
POWER TRAIN
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 leave the car sit for several minutes and then turn it back on, it is driveable as long as it is driven under 55 mph. Since this only happens at higher speeds, it's been extremely dangerous because other cars are also traveling at high speeds and this has happened once on a freeway where the speed limit was 70 mph. If there's no shoulder to guide the car onto when this happens, the car would be disabled on the road because it will not drive again right away. I've taken it in to fix and the mechanic said it was a software update that was needed. However, the problem happened again a few months later. There was no warning before this happened both times it occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11594331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulshear, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 a short in the AC compressor and that the whole AC compressor system would need to be replaced; compressor, lines and radiatorx2 (battery radiator also needed). This was because this typical failure causes metal filings to enter the cooling system and it's not recommended to flush it out. There were no prior warnings or noise leading up to the problem. I'm concerned that there is a high risk that further driving the vehicle or charging it could cause a battery failure and cause it to catch on fire since there is no cooling. Normally a flashing engine light means to stop driving immediately, but there was no flashing light only a steady light. The BWM system check menu reported no issue with the car! The repair bill for this is about $8,400 and is rediculous. This seems to be a common problem when you start searching for it. Seems to also happen to the BMW i8 which shares the same compressor. Note that there are several revisions to the ac compressor part number which seems to suggest that they had to keep changing the part as production went on but did not notify affected cars that they could have a serious problem. This shouldn't be happening at 77k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11576295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulshear, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 a short in the AC compressor and that the whole AC compressor system would need to be replaced; compressor, lines and radiatorx2 (battery radiator also needed). This was because this typical failure causes metal filings to enter the cooling system and it's not recommended to flush it out. There were no prior warnings or noise leading up to the problem. I'm concerned that there is a high risk that further driving the vehicle or charging it could cause a battery failure and cause it to catch on fire since there is no cooling. Normally a flashing engine light means to stop driving immediately, but there was no flashing light only a steady light. The BWM system check menu reported no issue with the car! The repair bill for this is about $8,400 and is rediculous. This seems to be a common problem when you start searching for it. Seems to also happen to the BMW i8 which shares the same compressor. Note that there are several revisions to the ac compressor part number which seems to suggest that they had to keep changing the part as production went on but did not notify affected cars that they could have a serious problem. This shouldn't be happening at 77k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11576295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
AIR BAGS
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 on the dashboard. I have attached supporting documentation, including images and information from the BMW Service Bulletin, which clearly outlines that the error code 930904 is a known and routine problem for my specific vehicle model, thus a Service Bulletin was issued by BMW, as you can see attached from BMW’s website. It has come to my attention, through online forums and discussions within the BMW i3 community, that others have successfully resolved this issue under the terms of the service bulletin, but for some reason I keep getting the runaround. Regrettably, despite my efforts to address this matter with BMW USA on three separate occasions since October 2023, I have not received a satisfactory resolution. Instead, I have been redirected to BMW Authorized Dealerships, where I am faced with unjustifiable diagnostic fees and repair costs. It is perplexing to me that other members of the BMW community have had their issues resolved under the service bulletin at no cost, while I am being subjected to unnecessary expenses. To provide you with a clear overview: 1. The error code 930904 is documented in the BMW Service Bulletin for my 2014 BMW i3 REX. 2. Other BMW i3 owners have successfully had this issue resolved under warranty through the service bulletin. 3. BMW USA and its authorized dealerships have been uncooperative in acknowledging and addressing this known issue. I visited my local BMW dealership in Rochester, NY, on 10-10-23, only to be informed that they could not locate the referenced code and insisted on charging me a diagnostic fee and an additional $1,800 for the repair. Are you kidding me? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11562353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
SEAT BELTS
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 Malfunction" alert in my vehicle could be repaired under a Service Action extension (code SIB010818/DC3234908400) that covers airbag issues in vehicles under 10 years old and 100,000 miles. See pictures of the issue/alert on dash attached. However, when I brought my vehicle to two local BMW dealerships (in Rochester and Syracuse, NY), they either claimed the Service Action code did not exist or that I would need to pay a diagnostic fee of $250 AND $1,800 to fix the airbag and seatbelt issue out of pocket, despite BMW North America saying this should be covered. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I cannot afford to gamble hundreds of dollars on diagnostic fees when BMW North America has already provided the Service Action code that should cover the necessary airbag repair. This is not only a financial burden but a safety concern, as I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag defect. I am reaching out to request your help resolving this issue with BMW as this issue with my BMW i3 is VERY routine and all over the internet and the BMW i3 forums as BMW clearly failed its very basic duties in protecting USA consumers with this vehicle and its numerous issues. Airbags and seatbelts are NOT issues consumers should have to gamble with due to the failures of BMW in properly producing a vehicle that would avoid such serious problems as clearly prevalent to a lot of owners of this make and model. I look forward to your assistance in this urgent matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11551921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
AIR BAGS
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 Malfunction" alert in my vehicle could be repaired under a Service Action extension (code SIB010818/DC3234908400) that covers airbag issues in vehicles under 10 years old and 100,000 miles. See pictures of the issue/alert on dash attached. However, when I brought my vehicle to two local BMW dealerships (in Rochester and Syracuse, NY), they either claimed the Service Action code did not exist or that I would need to pay a diagnostic fee of $250 AND $1,800 to fix the airbag and seatbelt issue out of pocket, despite BMW North America saying this should be covered. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I cannot afford to gamble hundreds of dollars on diagnostic fees when BMW North America has already provided the Service Action code that should cover the necessary airbag repair. This is not only a financial burden but a safety concern, as I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag defect. I am reaching out to request your help resolving this issue with BMW as this issue with my BMW i3 is VERY routine and all over the internet and the BMW i3 forums as BMW clearly failed its very basic duties in protecting USA consumers with this vehicle and its numerous issues. Airbags and seatbelts are NOT issues consumers should have to gamble with due to the failures of BMW in properly producing a vehicle that would avoid such serious problems as clearly prevalent to a lot of owners of this make and model. I look forward to your assistance in this urgent matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11551921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Car roof is delaminating.
NHTSA complaint #11539536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11539259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tempe, AZ
STEERING
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 levels. I drove 15 miles to my home below the speed limit while wrestling with the steering wheel, thinking that the power to the steering system had somehow failed. Some quick online research upon my return revealed that this problem is not unusual, but can be resolved by turning the car off and then back on again. Following this procedure solved the issue, but leaves me with uncertainty as to when it may happen again.
NHTSA complaint #11528759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crown Point, IN
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11514405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marina, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11512015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
ENGINE
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11467637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11467637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not starting and we thought it could have caused the issue. They also noted at that time that the engine mount screws are now split and need to be replaced. I then discovered it was part of an open recall but when I asked about this, they said the recall closed in 2016 and I would now be responsible to replace this part for $3400+ even though it was a known defective BMW part. Upon further research, the initial part replaced was deemed not good enough and the part was upgraded to aluminum (it is currently a plastic mount bracket). I have tried requesting again for them to complete the recall work but they said they told me: " Yes, there was a recall but it was completed in 2016 in san fran by the looks of it. (<--I don't think it was actually completed) "I can't claim it since its done unfortunately... there is no way for me to claim this to you either as the repairs done more than 2 years ago and the car is out of warrant for 4 years. So BMW will just see it as just wear and tear. I tried to see of any ways I could assist you but there isn't a way for me to claim this with BMW" So my issue, and why I am writing you is that they claim the part has been completed but it has not, it is still the original bracket and screw mount. Plus they admitted they still needed to replace the charging electronics when this was apparently also marked as completed. I suspect someone lied about the recall work being done in San Francisco.
NHTSA complaint #11464379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not starting and we thought it could have caused the issue. They also noted at that time that the engine mount screws are now split and need to be replaced. I then discovered it was part of an open recall but when I asked about this, they said the recall closed in 2016 and I would now be responsible to replace this part for $3400+ even though it was a known defective BMW part. Upon further research, the initial part replaced was deemed not good enough and the part was upgraded to aluminum (it is currently a plastic mount bracket). I have tried requesting again for them to complete the recall work but they said they told me: " Yes, there was a recall but it was completed in 2016 in san fran by the looks of it. (<--I don't think it was actually completed) "I can't claim it since its done unfortunately... there is no way for me to claim this to you either as the repairs done more than 2 years ago and the car is out of warrant for 4 years. So BMW will just see it as just wear and tear. I tried to see of any ways I could assist you but there isn't a way for me to claim this with BMW" So my issue, and why I am writing you is that they claim the part has been completed but it has not, it is still the original bracket and screw mount. Plus they admitted they still needed to replace the charging electronics when this was apparently also marked as completed. I suspect someone lied about the recall work being done in San Francisco.
NHTSA complaint #11464379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.