2019 BMW I3
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 54 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 33 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250706
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
Also filed under POWER TRAIN and ENGINE
4 of 13 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210131
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200909
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191223
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 13 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
2 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V599000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 BMW I3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V599000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2019 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 2019 BMW I3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW I3 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.