Recall 17V088 affects 19,130 2014-2017 BMW I3 vehicles for a fuel tank vent line chafing defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 19,130 2014-2017 I3 REx hybrid electric vehicles under recall 17V088 because the fuel tank vent line can rub against the battery positive cable sleeve and leak fuel vapor. A vapor leak near an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire, and BMW dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fuel tank vent line on the 2014-2017 BMW I3 REx is part of the gasoline range-extender system. It routes fuel vapor away from the tank so the fuel system can vent as designed instead of building pressure. Near it runs the battery positive cable, also called the B+ cable, which is wrapped in a ribbed protective sleeve.
On affected I3 vehicles, the vent line sits close enough to that ribbed sleeve for the two parts to touch as the vehicle moves and vibrates. The hard ribs on the cable sleeve can chafe the softer vent line. Over time, that rubbing can wear a hole through the line and let fuel vapor escape in the engine compartment.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on a light, message, smell, or change in how the vehicle drives before the vent line is damaged.
Who's affected?
Covers a single I3 model line across the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2014 BMW I3 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2015 BMW I3 | fuel system |
| 2016 BMW I3 | fuel system |
| 2017 BMW I3 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 19,130 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel vapor leak near an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Schedule the recall repair soon so the dealer can inspect the fuel vent line, replace it if needed, and add the protective clip that prevents chafing. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2017 BMW I3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free fuel vent-line inspection, replacement as needed, and anti-chafe clip installation that stops the vent line from rubbing against the B+ cable sleeve.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V088 when you call.
- Avoid smoking, open flames, or other ignition sources around the vehicle until the repair is complete.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the fuel vent line and replaces it if rubbing has damaged it. The technician also installs a clip to keep the vent line from chafing against the battery cable protection sleeve. The inspection, replacement if needed, parts, and labor are free under the recall. For prior out-of-pocket fuel vent line repairs tied to this condition, BMW's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices or receipts to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 9, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 10, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 25, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 3, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 3, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V088?
Recall 17V088 covers 19,130 2014-2017 BMW I3 REx vehicles with a fuel tank vent line that can rub against the battery positive cable sleeve, create a hole, and leak fuel vapor. A BMW dealer will inspect the vent line, replace it as needed, and install a clip for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2017 BMW I3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V088. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the fuel vent line inspection and clip installation. Reference recall number 17V088 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replace it as necessary, and install the anti-chafing clip free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 17V088 is fire. If the vent line is damaged, fuel vapor can leak, and a fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free BMW dealer repair if included.
What if I bought my BMW I3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2014-2017 BMW I3 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 17V088.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V088000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V088 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V088000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →