Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 13 | −61% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2018 | 14 | −58% | 3 | Steering | Good |
| 2017 | 53 | 1.2× | 3 | Body | Average |
| 2016 | 33 | −29% | 2 | Body | Average |
| 2015 | 47 | typical | 3 | Steering | Average |
| 2014 | 54 | typical | 4 | Transmission | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median i3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW i3 problems
Latest BMW i3 recalls
Hybrid propulsion system
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Hybrid propulsion system
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Electrical
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW i3 should you avoid?
None of the BMW i3 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the BMW i3?
2019 has the fewest complaints compared with other i3 years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW i3 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (48), body & structure (40) and electrical system (32). Steering complaints peak in the 2015 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW i3 had?
8 recalls across 2014–2019. The model year with the most is 2014. See all BMW i3 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.