AI Damage2020 BMW I3: common problems
The maker issued 40 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 40
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- electric
- 0.6 L · plug-in hybrid · 2 cyl
- automatic, 1-speed
Drive: RWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote…
Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue…
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has…
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important…
- Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration
- The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain…
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2…
- For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the…
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vents)
- Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vent)
The following fault code is saved in the IHKA (integrated automatic heating/air conditioning system) control unit: 801189 - Engine mixed air right: Initialization fault.
- TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION
The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
- DELIVERY STOP
CHARGING CABLE (NON-TURBOCORD VERSION): BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective May 3, 2021) on a small number of Model Year 2021 BMW i3 vehicles that were produced between March 1, 2021 and April 26, 2021. The…
- The vehicle may exhibit any of the following at very low State of Charge (SOC) ? less than 8%
Power loss or high voltage system shutdown while running range extender (REx). - Inconsistent performance of the REx. - High voltage system shutdown in vehicles without REx. - Excessively high range displayed in…
- STEERING ASSISTANCE SPORADIC REDUCTION
The driver notices a reduction of steering assistance sporadically while in certain driving situations. Steering control is never lost when the reduction of assistance occurs.
NHTSA lists 40 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW I3?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 40 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2020 BMW I3?
NHTSA lists 40 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2020 BMW I3 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2020 models
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.