Research · Subcompact Cars

2014 BMW I8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2014 BMW I8. Most complaints involve suspension (1). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Oct 2014
Owner complaints
1
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Oct 27, 2014NHTSA 14V674000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2020 – Jan 2020
  1. Suspension1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each I8 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20141
20155
20163
20201
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

1 report
“REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 24K MILES SINCE NEW. BMW BULLETIN SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT ON BOTH REAR SUSPENSIONS BUT NO OWNERS WERE INFORMED OF THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SUSPENSION FAILURES SHOULD BE CATEGORIZED AS CRITICAL LIFE/SAFETY RECALL ITEMS INSTEAD OF JUST A SECRET BULLETIN ITEM.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 11, 2020SuspensionODI 11298552
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
1.5L 3-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
EV range
330 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
i8
Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
282928$2,750198
  • i8
    Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo
    28 city · 29 hwy · $2,750/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 BMW I8 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 I8 questions

How many recalls does the 2014 BMW I8 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 BMW I8 problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 BMW I8 get?

The EPA rates the 2014 BMW I8 at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026