BMW i3 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every BMW i3 model year (2014–2021) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
BMW i3 Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 51 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 62
2 recalls · 36 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 56
3 recalls · 35 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 44
Best BMW i3 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 9
3 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 17
2 recalls · 23 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 29
Found the right year? Verify that specific i3 with a free VIN report.
BMW i3 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 0 | 9 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2018 | 3 | 8 | — | — | 17 | Good |
| 2017 | 2 | 36 | 7 | — | 56 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 2 | 23 | — | — | 29 | Caution |
| 2015 | 3 | 35 | — | — | 44 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 3 | 51 | 1 | — | 62 | Avoid |
All 8 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
BMW i3 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2021Recent i3 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2021 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade i3 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year i3 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2014 BMW i3 if possible. It has 3 recalls, 51 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 62 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year i3 to buy?+
The 2019 BMW i3 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 9. It has only 0 recalls and 9 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which i3 has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2018, 2016 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More BMW i3 Research
Check a Specific BMW i3 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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