MotorDeets

BMW I3 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every I3 from 2014 to 2019: 213 owner complaints and 16 recalls across 6 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (54), 2017 (52), 2015 (47). Best fuel economy: 124 mpg combined (2017).

BMW I3
Photo: Artaxerxes · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Steering48
Body & structure40
Transmission & drivetrain31
Electrical31
Airbags25
Speed control / throttle20
Other / unknown19
Engine17

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2014454124
2015347124
2016233124
2017352124
2018314118
2019113113

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the BMW I3.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the BMW I3?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (54), 2017 (52), 2015 (47).

How many recalls has the BMW I3 had?

Across 2014–2019, NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).