NHTSA Data Explorer

BMW i3s

Data refreshed June 26, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the BMW i3s.

Complaints

229

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 i3s

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

85

Steering behavior

63

Operating state

57

Safety restraint issue

39

Reporting mechanism

32

Performance issue

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.

2018 BMW I3

Filed Jun 18, 2026


After reviewing BMW’s warranty documentation, I believe that the part replaced — specifically the evaporative emissions (EVAP) valve or purge valve AND vapor canister (active charcoal canister) — should be covered under the California Extended Emissions Warranty (TZEV) for my 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender. According to BMW’s California Emissions Warranty documentation (pages 14), the Evaporative Canister / Active Charcoal Filter is explicitly listed as a covered component under the Extended…

2016 BMW I3

Filed Jun 12, 2026


Driver airbag warning light illuminated. Vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Sherman Oaks (RO# 176741) and confirmed as a faulty driver airbag module - part# 32-30-6-870-366. BMW technician found fault code 930904: Driver's airbag interval stage 1, resistance too high stored. BMW NA declined goodwill repair assistance despite the failure occurring within 20 days of warranty expiration. This is a safety-critical federally mandated system. Multiple BMW i3 owners in online communities report the same…

2017 BMW I3

Filed May 31, 2026


I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a windshield. When I stopped, I saw more sheets hanging loose from the roof and I peeled off what I could. I think this is dangerous and understand it is common on BMW i3s (which are…

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…

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)

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

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

Updated June 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.