BMW i3 Fuel Tank Vent Line Chafing (2014–2017)

What the evidence shows

Transport Canada recall 2017068 and NHTSA recall 17V088 cover 2014–2017 BMW i3 REX (range-extender) vehicles in which a section of the fuel-tank vent line can chafe against an adjacent ribbed wire protector.

What this means

Over time this chafing can wear through the vent line, and because this vehicle's engine compartment is enclosed, a resulting fuel leak has fewer places to safely vent.

What may be happening mechanically

Engine vibration causes the vent line to repeatedly contact the wire protector at one fixed point; enough contact cycles can wear through the line's wall.

What owners may notice

• A fuel smell around the vehicle, particularly near the rear engine compartment

What to check first

Confirm recall eligibility by VIN and arrange the recall repair promptly. BMW states the vehicle can continue to be driven, but liquid fuel, smoke, or a strong worsening fuel odor warrants stopping and seeking assistance.

What this does not prove

A safety recall confirms an identified defect and a required remedy for the specific vehicles covered by Transport Canada recall 2017068. It does not establish how many vehicles ever actually experienced the described failure, and any symptom listed above can have other causes — a qualified inspection is still the way to confirm the cause on a specific vehicle.

For owners and buyers

If you own or are considering a 2014–2017 BMW i3 REX, check the VIN against Transport Canada recall 2017068 (through the manufacturer or the relevant national recall lookup) to see whether the remedy has already been completed. An open recall is normally repaired by the dealer at no cost to the owner.