NHTSA Data Explorer

BMW i3

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the BMW i3.

Complaints

226

Active records

Recalls

8

Active records

TSBs

335

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

0

Injuries

8

Crashes

11

Fires

3

Top reported issues — BMW i3

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

81

Steering behavior

63

Operating state

57

Safety restraint issue

38

Performance issue

31

Reporting mechanism

31

Electrified system issue

17

Ride/handling behavior

17

Driver assistance issue

13

Thermal issue

11

Braking behavior

10

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

10

Electrical issue

8

Engine behavior

7

Safety restraint behavior

7

Powering on/off behavior

6

Fluid issue

3

Vibration/harshness

3

Noise

2

Recent change

2

Starting behavior

2

Access/entry issue

1

Infotainment behavior

1

Lighting behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2014 BMW I3

Filed May 11, 2026


Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2019 BMW I3

Filed May 11, 2026


This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that EME had failed. The EME is the main…

2017 BMW I3

Filed Apr 7, 2026


We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions—including cleaning the adjuster area and checking for twisted straps—the problem persists. Evenflo recently closed our support case (#00609796) and sent a replacement seat, which…

2014 BMW I3

Filed Mar 31, 2026


The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no…

2017 BMW I3

Filed Mar 26, 2026


After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the improperly programmed 4G telematics unit. So BMW knows with 100% certainty this feature will not work on the car, and the car gives no…

2014 BMW I3

Filed Mar 2, 2026


BMW Service Bulletin SI B22 04 15 to replace motor mount bolts and other components due to failure in 2016 was done on my vehicle in 2016. BMW has replaced all motor mounts in 2014 and 2015 i3's in Europe. The motor mounts were redesigned for 2016 and newer models. From online forums I see that many of the 2014 and 2015 North American i3 motor mounts continue to fail as they have on my BMW i3. I am reporting this failure in order for NHTSA to review this vehicle for a recall on motor mounts for…

2017 BMW I3

Filed Jan 27, 2026


The roof is delaminating causing a danger to my vehicle and others

2016 BMW I3

Filed Jan 15, 2026


While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engage at all. This has occurred repeatedly and creates a serious risk of being stranded or hit while…

2017 BMW I3

Filed Dec 17, 2025


2 injured
Crash

Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column, resulting in loss…

2019 BMW I3

Filed Oct 22, 2025


In early September, a driver retention system error appeared the dash display of my '19 i3. I searched the issue on line and tried but failed to resolve it. A few weeks later, the seat belt alarm stopped going off when the belt was clasped. At this point, I had no choice but bring it in for a fix. The dealer advised that there would be a $305 fee to diagnose the problem. They found a faulty belt buckle that failed in normal use. To fix it was going to cost another $805.22 to replace the…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.