AI Damage2020 BMW I8: common problems
Owners of the 2020 BMW I8 filed 1 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system. The maker issued 15 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 15
What fails most often
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.5 L · plug-in hybrid · turbo · 3 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: AWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer twice however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired and would be going back to the dealer for the fourth time.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,964 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 7% least complained about).
On average one model year of the I8 has 1 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 1, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
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…
- At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e
when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned.
- 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…
- At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e
when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the…
- 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…
- 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.
- Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
- BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER
The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
- NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA
Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to…
- TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED
Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
- CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER
A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan…
NHTSA lists 15 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 I8?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system. Total complaints: 1. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (100%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2020 BMW I8?
NHTSA lists 15 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 I8 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.