2018 BMW I3
Only 14 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 14 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
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
3 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Roof delaminating and is danger of flying off
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-12
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-16
Steering
3 of 14 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
It's my 7TH month driving brand new 2018 I3 bev. After got off the work today, the July 25TH, 2019, the car started pulling to the left. I had no problem I thought I had a flat so I checked the tire pressure monitor and it was just fine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-25
Fuel/propulsion system
3 of 14 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
This isn't a safety issue, rather it's a known problem with the factory AC compressor inside of BMW i3s and i8s that seem to constantly fail.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-24
Vehicle speed control
3 of 14 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Tires
1 of 14 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact leased a 2018 BMW I3 equipped with bridgestone tires, tire line: ecopia, size: 175/55/R20, DOT number: (Not available).
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-07
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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2019-02-22Equipment18V652000 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...
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.
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2019-06-13Electrical system, hybrid propulsion system19V310000 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.
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2018 BMW I3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V720000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V652000 · Equipment
- Recall 19V310000 · Electrical system, hybrid propulsion system
FAQ
- Is the 2018 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 2018 BMW I3?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 BMW I3 have?
- 3 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.