Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW i8, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Suspension1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2014 BMW i8 failed the safety check 0.00% of the time — 100% less often than the average 2014 passenger car (2.30%). Median odometer at inspection: 22,961 miles.
63first inspections
0.00%failed on safety
22,961 mimedian odometer
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2014
998 new BMW i8 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2014; the largest markets were Germany (385), the United Kingdom (294), the Netherlands (57).
- Average mass
- 1,560 kg
- Average power
- 170 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol/electric 97% · Electric 2.7%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
36 first registered in 2014 are on Dutch roads; 31% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €149,362.
36.1%had an APK defect recorded since June 2022
100.0%logical odometer history
0.0%with a recall still open
Most common APK defects
- Stofhoes aandrijfas beschadigd en dicht niet af6
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld5
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm4
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage3
- Band onvoldoende profiel3
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde3
- Motorsteunrubber doorgescheurd/vulkanisatie geheel los2
- Afgedekt onderdeel niet beoordeeld 5.1b.31
Colours
Grey 83%White 17%
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
183 cars built in 2014 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 16 more were declared off the road (SORN).
183licensed, end of 2025
92%of those still registered are on the road
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 201 of these cars first registered in 2014 took their annual MOT test. 90% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2014 the figure was 72%.
90%passed first time
72%all cars from 2014
45,400 miaverage mileage at the test (all cars 74,000 mi)
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 3.0% | 6.8% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.0% | 0.3% |
| Brakes | 1.5% | 6.0% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 1.5% | 10.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% | 2.5% |
| Visibility | 1.5% | 4.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
17 of these cars first registered in 2014 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 115,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
4 2014 cars are on the New Zealand register; 100% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2014 BMW i8.
| 2024544 15 Aug 2024 | 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 "N… |
| 2015343 30 Jul 2015 | 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 an… |
| 2014491 30 Oct 2014 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, a defect in the ground lug connection to the fuel tank could result in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source coul… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
14V674000 · Fuel system, gasoline27 Oct 2014 · 223 vehicles
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 i8 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2014, to September 16, 2014. A bolt used to attach a ground cable between the tank and the vehicle chassis may not have been properly welded during manufacturing.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 2014 BMW i8: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010892 | The High-Voltage (HV) Battery AssemblysCell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty fordefects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles asdetermined from the original in-service/first delivery date. |
| 10249027 | The 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. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. |
| 10249018 | At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21. |
| 10214990 | The 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 North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigati |
| 10204660 | The 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 North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Cockpit Plus. This uses map North America LIVE. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line busi |
| 10200487 | TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. |
| 10184584 | Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. |
| 10181231 | BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle. |
| 10179009 | NAVIGATION 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 navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier. |
| 10178996 | TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. |
| 10176377 | CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation. |
| 10176363 | TANK VENTILATION AND MIXTURE CONTROL FAULTS STORED IN THE DME: The Engine Malfunction Warning is illuminated and one or more of the following faults are stored in the DME. All models: FC 191C02 - Fuel tank ventilation system 2nd discharge point: malfunction FC 195014 - Differential pressure sensor tank vent valve signal: fixed FC 118001 - Mixture control: mixture too lean FC 118401 - Mixture control: mixture too lean large deviation I01 only: FC 124103 - Mixture control: mixture too lean FC 124101 - Mixture control: Mixture lean large deviation CAUSE Internal mechanical defect in the tank vent |
| 10175270 | DIAGNOSING NON FUNCTIONING eDRIVE: Vehicle will not go into "eDrive". No pertinent electric drivetrain fault codes to assist with diagnosis. "eDrive" may be greyed-out in the Central Information Display (CID) and is not selectable. MSA deactivation. 12 Volt battery failure. Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) failure. |
| 10174320 | CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is being published because vehicles are down for an extended period of time when researching system failures with ConnectedDrive or BMW Assist. Will assist you both in identifying the issue and providing technical support. CAUSE Not enough information is available for BMW NA engineers to assist the technician in diagnosing the root cause. |
| 10174032 | AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the nav |
| 10174030 | VEHICLE SOUND GENERATOR IS DIFFERENT AND LOUDER AFTER PROGRAMMING: Vehicles sound is different and louder after programming to an Integration level (I-level) between I001-1911-500 and I001-19-11-556. Software in the Vehicle Sound Generator (VSG). |
| 10174023 | CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES FOR BRAKE SUSPENSION AND AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: Multiple check control messages (CCM) can display for brake suspension and air bag system malfunction. The customer may also complain about any of the following: Engine can no longer be switched off Drive position (D) cannot be engaged on the gear selector switch (GWS) Reduction of steering assist After an engine emergency shut-off (either a prolonged long press; or 3 consecutive short presses of the Start/Stop button) and the vehicle going to sleep (identifiable by the lighting of the "Start/Stop button") everything r |
| 10174019 | CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B61 05 20 dated February 2020. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation. |
| 10174015 | TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate. |
| 10174009 | TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12. Microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs. |
| 10172510 | SAFETY BELT WARNING GONG SOUNDS AFTER UNBUCKLING WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. After a vehicle has been programmed to an I-level greater than 19-11-5xx and lower than I-level 20-03-530; the safety belt (aka seat belt) acoustic warning sounds when in Park (engine running) and the safety belt is unbuckled. The chime/gong lasts for up to 1 minute 40 seconds. The customer only expects the acoustic warning when the vehicle is moving and the safety belt is not buckled. The acoustic warning can occur when the seat is occupied and the safety belt buckle is opened on the driver's or passenger's side. So |
| 10172497 | CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER. A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation. |
| 10169468 | Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. A non-approved washer fluid was used that is silicone-based. Silicone-based fluids are not compatible with the contactless capacitive level sensor. Fluids that contain a silicone additive are normally colored other than blue. |
| 10169461 | SERVICE ACTION: INSPECT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL RIM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. Vehicles delivered with wheel rim style 470 (shown) have directional wheels specifically for the left and right side of the vehicle. An incorrect heat treatment has been applied to batches of the right rear rim and may have a crack in the spoke of the wheel rim. Visual or audible perceptions may be noted by the customer. Error in the manufacturing process of the right rear wheel rim. |
| 10167997 | DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE. One or both doors will not open or close (latch/unlatch). Low voltage supply of the vehicle 12 V battery or the key fob battery may cause the door lock actuator to become temporarily electrically faulted. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
DP22005 · Electrical system:propulsion systemopened 27 Jan 2023 · closed 7 Aug 2023
Pedestrian alert sounds
EA21002 · Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleopened 17 Sept 2021
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation