2017 BMW I3 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW I3, most often about body & structure. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
36
Recalls
3
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Median mileage
23,840 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Body & Structure is the most-reported problem area, named in 12 of 36 complaints (33%).
  • Electrical System (4) and airbags (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 23,840 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries.
  • The 2017 BMW I3 has 3 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 6 BMW I3 model years we track.
  • That is 44% more complaints than the 2016 model year (25).

2017 BMW I3 problems by category

  • Body & Structure
    12 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    10 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Steering
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Engine
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Structure:body10
Unknown or other9
Electrical system4
Structure:body:roof and pillars3
Air bags3
Power train3
Steering3
Vehicle speed control2

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k310k–30k230k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 BMW I3 complaints that list mileage.

2017 BMW I3 recalls (3)

  • Recall 17V720000Nov 16, 201732,000 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

  • Recall 17V088000Feb 9, 201719,130 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.

    Risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • Recall 16V914000Dec 20, 20163,506 vehicles
    AIR BAGS

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

    Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023led to recall 22V063000

    Pedestrian alert sounds

    NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc…

Recent 2017 BMW I3 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 17, 2026FLBody & Structure
    My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended warranty and they did not want to cover anything. They said this was normal wear and tear and they would not help me. From my understanding this is a much larger issue with all i3…
    NHTSA complaint #11764977 · source
  2. Filed Jul 29, 2026CABody & Structure
    The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.
    NHTSA complaint #11753562 · source
  3. Filed Jun 27, 2026NJBody & Structure
    On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has to be replaced and it is costly.
    NHTSA complaint #11746860 · source
  4. Filed May 31, 2026NJBody & Structure
    I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a windshield. When I stopped, I saw more sheets hanging loose from the roof and I peeled off what I could. I think this is dangerous and understand it is common on BMW…
    NHTSA complaint #11741143 · source
  5. Filed Apr 7, 2026NYOther / Unknown
    We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions—including cleaning the adjuster area and checking for twisted straps—the problem persists. Evenflo recently closed our support case (#00609796) and sent a replacement…
    NHTSA complaint #11729647 · source
  6. Filed Mar 26, 2026MOOther / Unknown
    After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the improperly programmed 4G telematics unit. So BMW knows with 100% certainty this feature will not work on the car, and the…
    NHTSA complaint #11727315 · source
  7. Filed Dec 17, 2025NMCrash2 injuredTowedAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts
    Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column,…
    NHTSA complaint #11705719 · source
  8. Filed Oct 11, 2025CABody & Structure
    The carbon fiber roof is bubbling and disintegrating. I have one section behind the passenger door that is the size of my FULL hand that is in a circle shape where the roof is scaling and peeling. Each day that passes, the known spot is getting bigger and bigger. It's embarrassing to see this happening to my car and makes my care look worthless. Definite eye sore. I currently have the (1) i3 EV that is the family car, (2) M3's mine is a convertible and the other is my…
    NHTSA complaint #11692851 · source

Compare the 2017 BMW I3 with another vehicle →

Other 2017 BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology