2019 BMW i8 Problems & Complaints

Few complaints

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file for the 2019 BMW i8 yet, but there are 2 recalls. 2 recalls cover this model year.

0complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

BMW i8 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).

Compare all BMW i8 years →

2019 BMW i8 recalls (2)

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2019 BMW i8:

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

NHTSA investigation EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA investigation DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V-063

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.

2019 BMW i8 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.5L 3-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid6-speed automaticAWD26 / 29 / 27

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the 2019 BMW i8 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2019 BMW i8, the most recent from August 14, 2019 (hybrid propulsion system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

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.