AI DamageBMW I3: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the BMW I3 across 7 model years: 86 owner complaints and 54 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 26% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 22% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 15% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 10% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 5% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 3% of all complaints
- Structure: 22 complaints (26% of all).
- Steering: 19 complaints (22% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 27.
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (15% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 94.
- Air bags: 9 complaints (10% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 17.
- Powertrain: 9 complaints (10% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 10.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- electric 2014–2021
- 0.6 L · plug-in hybrid · 2 cyl 2014–2021
- automatic, 1-speed 2014–2021
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 86 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 19 | 0 | 27 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 | 94 |
| Air bags | 9 | 2 | 17 |
| Powertrain | 9 | 1 | 10 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 | 15 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 25 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 18 |
| Backover prevention | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 | 10 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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 of consciousness and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with ongoing neurological issues.
Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call.
On a freeway driving around 65mph front car came to sudden stop so applied brakes at full strength but car continued at the same speed for few seconds and then brakes took effect but it was too late by then.
The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact suffered a headache and injuries to his back and neck area. The contact did not receive medical attention at the scene. The police was called; however, the contact never received a police report.
The rear backup camera view in the screen is completely overridden in reverse, by a tire pressure warning when a tire is low or there is another TPMS fault. It requires using the rotary dial to clear the message before the function of the backup camera is restored.
My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote…
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has…
- the High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific)…
- The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific)…
- For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and/or…
- The Supplemental Restraint SystemâÂÂs (SRS) air bag warning lamp is illuminated, and the air bag…
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
- Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration
- TEC26 Turbo Charger Return
- Tec25 Wishbone Return
- Tech24 Snap-in Adapter Return
- MINI engine oil part number transition and model year 2016 engine oils
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.