BMW I3 years to avoid (and the best years)
208 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls across 6 model years, 2014 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 208complaints
- 8recalls
- 10reported crashes
- 2reported fires
- 8reported injuries
Which BMW I3 years should you avoid?
No BMW I3 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW I3 year has 40 complaints on file.
What are the best BMW I3 years?
The BMW I3 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (13), 2018 (14) and 2016 (33). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 13 | 0.3× | 1 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 14 | 0.3× | 3 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2017 | 52 | 1.3× | 3 | 2 | 4 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2016 | 33 | 0.8× | 2 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2015 | 47 | 1.2× | 3 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2014 | 49 | 1.2× | 4 | 3 | 3 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 3 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Other systems3 (100%)
Recalls (8)
Safety · 19V599000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2019
A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V310000 · Apr 2019 · model year 2018
A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 18V652000 · Sep 2018 · model year 2018
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Airbags · 17V720000 · Nov 2017 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
Fuel system · 17V088000 · Feb 2017 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 16V914000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2017
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 15V628000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
Airbags · 14V422000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
If the air bag deploys improperly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bags, the seat occupant may be at an increased risk of injury.