2014 BMW I3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,730miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 BMW I3, 11% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,730 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Charged my car overnight in my climate controlled garage and went out the next morning to run errands. Turned it on, put it in drive, heard a pop or clunk from the rear and then got a drive train not available - do not move vehicle error. Couldn't even put the car in neutral for towing - Bmw roadside had to send a tow truck with skates to prop up the back end and push it out of my garage. It's been at the dealer almost 2 weeks now - the local mechanics have had calls with Bmw back in germany and they can't seem to figure out what the problem is.”
NHTSA complaint #10820163, filed 2016-01, 6,500 miles“Two issues: 1. Driving at highway speed of 65 MPH, with battery power drained, the rex (reserve engine) turns on. Suddenly, speed drops from 65 MPH to 40 MPH while on a 2-lane ca freeway, almost causing me to be rear-ended by traffic. One month later, same situation, same problem. 2. Manufacturer states a combined mileage range of 80 miles on battery, 60 miles on rex (reserve engine), for a combined range of 140 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10805744, filed 2015-09, 4,960 miles“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 out. 2. After replacing the battery, it still had error message. After a few days, I was told car needs software update to clear error message related 12V battery. I requested this should be repaired by BMW or their dealers without any cost to me, but rep told me it was not free. …”
NHTSA complaint #11450755, filed 2022-02“The contact owns a 2014 Bmw I3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the cruise control warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10659963, filed 2014-11, 1,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11576295, filed 2024-03Related service bulletins
- 11012073Dec 4, 2024the High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been…
- 11012072Dec 4, 2024The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been…
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10214990May 1, 2022The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map…
- 10205606Nov 1, 2021For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10187463Jan 1, 2021I3 REX FRONT (UPSTREAM) OXYGEN SENSOR: If a vehicle listed above arrives with engine malfunction indicator (Check Engine) warning light on, performing a Vehicle Test.
- 10181231Sep 1, 2020BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
- 10179009Jul 1, 2020NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best…
- 10176377May 1, 2020CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic…
- 10174320Apr 1, 2020CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2014 BMW I3
14 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 BMW I3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology