2019 BMW i3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#5 most-complained of 6 i3 years
The 2019 BMW i3 ranks 5th out of 6 model years with a Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict. NHTSA lists 13 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 crash, with Electrical System issues being the top problem area at 46% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 72
- 77 city / 66.5 hwy
Top 2019 BMW i3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System6 (46%)
- Steering4 (31%)
- Engine3 (23%)
- Fuel System3 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (23%)
- Other2 (15%)
- Brakes1 (8%)
- Seat Belts1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of drivetrain power at highway speeds, including a full shutdown while accelerating from 60 to 70 MPH.
- Some describe the steering suddenly feeling heavy or pulling to one side, mistaken at first for a flat tire.
- Others report a temporary loss of power steering while leaving home, which returned after restarting the vehicle.
- One owner reported the vehicle stalling and shifting itself into park while stopped in traffic, with warning lights illuminated, at 43,000 miles.
- Another reported the 12V battery and EME module failing together, cutting off electrical power to the car.
- One owner described the charge port becoming damaged after use with a charger, preventing the vehicle from charging.
2019 BMW i3 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V599000Aug 14, 2019Fuel System139 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
Risk: A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019 BMW i3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 77 MPG
- Highway
- 66.5 MPG
- Combined
- 72 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other i3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 BMW i3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 i3 has a Complaint Index of 20, the second-lowest among the 6 model years with data, earning it a "Best" verdict relative to other i3 years.
- What problems does the 2019 BMW i3 have?
- NHTSA lists 13 complaints for the 2019 i3, with Electrical System issues accounting for 46% of them, followed by Steering at 31% and Engine, Fuel System, and Transmission & Powertrain each at 23%.
- Does the 2019 BMW i3 have a recall?
- Yes. Recall 19V599000 covers a circuit board problem in the Electric Motor Electronics module that could shut down high-voltage electrical power; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What year BMW i3 should I avoid?
- Among the 6 model years with data, 2017 has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and an "Avoid" verdict, followed by 2014 at 80, also rated "Avoid." The 2019 model is rated "Best."
- How is the 2019 i3's fuel economy?
- EPA rates the 2019 i3 at 72 MPG combined (77 city / 66.5 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,600.