BMW i8 Problems by Year

We compared every BMW i8 model year from 2015–2019 using 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No i8 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
5complaints
3recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

201520195
Owner complaints per model year, BMW i8. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20190—2—Few
20155—1EngineFew

* Complaints compared with the median i8 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW i8 problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2015
    240%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2015
    240%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2015
    120%
  • Air bagsworst: 2015
    120%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2015
    120%

Latest BMW i8 recalls

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA recall 19V-599 · Aug 14, 2019 · 139 vehicles

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.

Equipment › Electrical

NHTSA recall 18V-652 · Sep 20, 2018 · 3,501 vehicles

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.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

NHTSA recall 15V-882 · Dec 28, 2015 · 16 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 i8 vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Improperly drilled holes within the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) hydraulic unit may restrict one or more pistons impairing the DSC functions, including braking.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the DSC hydraulic unit, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

All 3 BMW i8 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW i8 should you avoid?

None of the BMW i8 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common BMW i8 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (2), electrical system (2) and stability & traction control (1). Engine complaints peak in the 2015 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW i8 had?

3 recalls across 2015–2019. The model year with the most is 2019. See all BMW i8 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.