What year BMW i3 should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data flags 2014 and 2017 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100. 2017 ranks worst overall despite having fewer complaints than 2014.

What is the best year for the BMW i3?

2018 and 2019 are the best years, with complaint index scores of 0 and 20 and only 14 and 13 total complaints reported to NHTSA.

Are there recalls on the 2014 and 2017 BMW i3?

Yes. The 2014 i3 has 4 recall campaigns and the 2017 i3 has 3, covering airbag control unit software, a fuel vent line defect, and airbag module replacement.

What are the most common problem areas across all BMW i3 years?

Across all years, Steering accounts for 23% of the 213 total complaints, followed by Structure & Body at 20%, Engine at 16%, and Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain each at 15%.

Is the 2015 BMW i3 reliable compared to other years?

The 2015 i3 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, between the Avoid years (2014, 2017) and the better-rated 2016, 2018, and 2019 models.

BMW i3 Best and Worst Years (2014–2019)

The 2014 and 2017 BMW i3 rank worst, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100 versus 0 for the best year. 2018 and 2019 are the strongest years, with only 14 and 13 complaints and no crashes or fires reported.

Avoid 2014 Avoid 2017 Best 2018 Best 2019

Model years: 6; 2014–2019
NHTSA complaints: 213
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Steering

i3 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW i3 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2014	Avoid	80	54	3	0	4	Engine	81.5	—
2015	Caution	60	47	1	1	3	Steering	81.5	—
2016	Good	40	33	3	0	2	Structure & Body	81.5	—
2017	Avoid	100	52	2	1	3	Structure & Body	118	—
2018	Best	0	14	0	0	3	Engine	76.5	—
2019	Best	20	13	1	0	1	Electrical System	72	—

i3 years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 BMW i3 Index 100 · 52 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2017 i3 ranks worst overall with a complaint index of 100, the highest of any year, despite fewer total complaints (52) than 2014. Structure & Body issues lead at 25% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 32,000, followed by Steering problems at 21% with a much lower median mileage of 12,208. Owners reported the vehicle veering into traffic, windshield distortion affecting visibility, and a rear suspension control arm fracturing during gentle acceleration. Three recalls apply, including airbag module and control unit fixes and the fuel vent line issue also seen in 2014.

2014 BMW i3 Index 80 · 54 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2014 i3 has a complaint index of 80 and 54 total complaints, with 3 crashes and 3 injuries reported. Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues each make up 26% of complaints, including reports of sudden unintended acceleration and cruise control warning lights. Airbag complaints account for 15% of reports, with a median failure mileage around 13,000. Four recalls apply to this year, covering airbag control unit software, a fuel vent line that could rub against a battery cable, and a passenger airbag module replacement shared with other BMW and MINI models.

Most common BMW i3 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Steering48 (23%)
Structure & Body42 (20%)
Engine35 (16%)
Electrical System31 (15%)
Transmission & Powertrain31 (15%)
Airbags25 (12%)
Other21 (10%)
Fuel System19 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (6%)
Brakes8 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW i3 should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data flags 2014 and 2017 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100. 2017 ranks worst overall despite having fewer complaints than 2014.
What is the best year for the BMW i3?: 2018 and 2019 are the best years, with complaint index scores of 0 and 20 and only 14 and 13 total complaints reported to NHTSA.
Are there recalls on the 2014 and 2017 BMW i3?: Yes. The 2014 i3 has 4 recall campaigns and the 2017 i3 has 3, covering airbag control unit software, a fuel vent line defect, and airbag module replacement.
What are the most common problem areas across all BMW i3 years?: Across all years, Steering accounts for 23% of the 213 total complaints, followed by Structure & Body at 20%, Engine at 16%, and Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain each at 15%.
Is the 2015 BMW i3 reliable compared to other years?: The 2015 i3 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, between the Avoid years (2014, 2017) and the better-rated 2016, 2018, and 2019 models.