2019 BMW I3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The car has lost power on the highway multiple times and gone into Limp mode with no warnings on the dashboard. The Rex engine has failed to start as well. Very dangerous on the highway going 20 mph trying to make the next exit. The car has been back to the BMW dealer multiple times (over 2.5 months at the dealer ) with no repair. They are now offering to take the car in trade. The car is still under the EV warranty in California. Seems they and BMW engineering don't know how to repair the car and are now putting the burden on the consumer.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2026
“Lost power steering as I was leaving my house, making car very difficult to control. Thinking I had a flat tire, I turned around and returned home. Shut down the car, checked the tires (they were fine), restarted it, and power steering returned. This happened twice within a few days.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2021
“On the way back home from work, steering felt quite heavy and it kept pulling towards the right side. I initially thought I had a flat tire but the tire pressure was normal. Driving back home on freeway felt very unsafe as it was quite unsteady at speeds greater than 30mph”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2020
Show 1 more owner reports
“Steering has been normal until now. Suddenly on two occasions after stopping at a light it was hard to make a left turn. Steering felt as if tire pressure was low. Pressure was not low. This is first time this has occurred. Discovered this is a common complaint on internet searches. Have not driven i3 again since incident.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2019 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 2019 BMW I3 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2019 BMW I3. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2019 BMW I3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning hybrid propulsion system. 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.