2015 BMW I3
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 46 |
| 2016 | 33 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
airbag failed. alert light went on. Had to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240226
2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171115
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CHARGING PORT OVERHEATED WHILE CHARGING AND MELTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210202
I TURNED ON THE CAR, OPENED THE GATE AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE LIGHTLY AND THE CAR FLEW OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIT THE GATE, FLEW OUT INTO THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR BRAKES NEVER WORKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160720
The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231019
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles.
Remedy: MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015.
Campaign 15V628000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles.
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.
Campaign 17V088000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V720000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 BMW I3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V628000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V088000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V720000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2015 BMW I3 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW I3?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW I3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.