SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN OPERATING THE SIDE WINDOWS: A squeaking noise is heard when operating either side window. Interference between the side window glass and the B-Pillar seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 BMW i3 body problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 BMW i3 have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the body at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 i3 (this page) | 6 |
| 2015 i3 | 7 |
| 2016 i3 | 10 |
| 2017 i3 | 9 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
OUTER DOOR HANDLE LOOSE. One or both front outer door handles are loose. Improper tightening torque during vehicle production.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗OUTER DOOR HANDLE LOOSE. One or both front outer door handles are loose. Improper tightening torque during vehicle production.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS. 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 accidentally be pressed, thus opening the tailgate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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.
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.
Car roof is delaminating.
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.
Had body trouble with your 2014 BMW i3?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2014 BMW i3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/BMW/i3.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.