BMW i3 Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a BMW i3? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
BMW i3 — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021Best | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2020 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2019 | Good | 1 | 9 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2018 | Good | 2 | 8 | — | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2017 | Avoid | 2 | 36 | 4 | 7 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2016 | Caution | 1 | 23 | 2 | — | — | Structure | Full report → |
| 2015 | Avoid | 2 | 35 | 3 | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2014Worst | Avoid | 3 | 51 | 2 | 1 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
8 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common BMW i3 Problems
Based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
i3 Years to Avoid
Best i3 Years to Buy
BMW i3 Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — BMW i3 Reliability
What year i3 has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2014 BMW i3 had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 51 complaints and 3 safety recalls. See the full 2014 report for specific defects.
Is the BMW i3 reliable?
The BMW i3 has accumulated 162 owner-filed complaints and 11 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2021 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used i3.
What are the most common i3 problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Steering (26 reports), Structure (19 reports), Power Train (18 reports), Air Bags (14 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my i3 has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific BMW i3 VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free BMW i3 VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily