2016 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
- 33
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 54 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 33 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
30% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Translucent protection coat on roof delaminated; pieces blown into air. Bare roof and some coat pieces available for inspection upon request (no inspection yet). Other BMW i3 owners have reported same issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-03
Roof panel is deteriorating and loosing integrity. Outer laminate coat broke down in general sun conditions, and now underlying roof structure is breaking down as well.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-16
The roof is bubbling and peeling up. Water gets in it when it rains, then it bubbles greatly. BMW wonât fix it, repair shops donât want to fix it because itâs an obscure roof.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-06
Steering
24% · 8 reportsAir bags
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing air bag/restraint control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-09
Electrical system
15% · 5 reportsPower train
9% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-03-25Fuel system, gasoline17V088000 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.
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R
2018-01-12Air bags17V720000 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.
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2016 BMW I3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 17V720000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2016 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 2016 BMW I3?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 BMW I3 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.