2018 BMW I3: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My car has a problem with the carbon fiber roof panel. In the sun, the clear epoxy of the roof is de laminating from the carbon fiber beneath it. This is a safety issue because as it delaminates the clear epoxy is no longer properly attached to the roof and may fly off and into other vehicles when traveling at highway speeds. This is a well documented issue with these cars on the Reddit forum r/BMWi3.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2024
“The roof is cracking, yellowing and bubbling. I have heard that this is the beginning of roof failure and de-lamination. There have been reports and incidents of others roofs delaminating and having large pieces flying off and hitting other cars.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2023
“On two occasions the power steering failed while i was driving, once several months ago and again last Wednesday. Fortunately i was driving on surface streets close to home. i parked the car for twenty minutes and upon starting it the problem seemed to be gone. After the first occurance i went to the dealer and they said they knew nothing about the problem. I also called BMW USA.... again they knew nothing. The second time, last week, i took the car to the dealer again and they located a software update. Without actually acknowledging the problem, BMW had a software update and after initially asking me to pay for it, they agreed to pay.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2023
Show 5 more owner reports
“"Driver restraint system malfunction" light came on today. BMW i3's have had recalls in their past models due to design flaws in their airbag systems and assembly. While my car's year hasn't had a recall, searching the web shows that this issue is extremely common on BMW cars. And when the car is out of warranty (after 3 years), the cost for fixing this issue is exhorbitant. BMW should be pushed to fix this issue at no cost versus charging customers thousands for their faulty safety system design.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2023
“The contact owns a 2018 BMW i3. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle had unintended acceleration and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle came to a full stop after getting stuck in the mud on the side of the road. The failure nearly caused a collision. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 42,600.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2022
“Cruise control deactivates for no reason causing sudden deceleration. Occurs randomlyn during city and highway driving. This has been happening for months. Bmw dealer has recibrated the sensor and updated the software. No improvement.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jan 2021
“I came out of the public garage where I charged my 2018 bmw i3's at a charge point station for a little less than 4 hours (about 47 miles range), and suddenly when stopped at a red light, a big red error message came up on the dashboard (drivetrain something....) and the car stopped. I tried to restart it a few times and eventually it started again and allowed me to go back home. I read a few things online confirming that there is no warning message and that the car can just stop like that and I'm very concerned that it happen on a freeway when driving with my kids in it. This is not safe!!!”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2020
“Tl* the contact leased a 2018 bmw i3 equipped with bridgestone tires, tire line: ecopia, size: 175/55/r20, dot number: (not available). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 to 65 mph the passenger's side rear tire sustained a blowout. The contact moved the vehicle onto the road shoulder and had the vehicle towed to a tire repair facility. The driver's and passenger's side rear tire were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front tires were previously replaced also due to blowouts. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 26,000. The VIN was invalid.”Owner report · Tires · May 2020
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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."
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact I3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 BMW I3 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 BMW I3. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2018 BMW I3 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:electrical. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.