Model year
2016 BMW i3
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 33 complaints for the 2016 BMW i3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STRUCTURE:BODY (10), STEERING (8), AIR BAGS (5). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 39 mpg combined and 124 MPGe combined and 27–29 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $600–$2,100, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2014 54 complaints
- 2015 47 complaints
- 2016 33 complaints
- 2017 53 complaints
- 2018 14 complaints
- 2019 13 complaints
- 2020 0 complaints
- 2021 1 complaints
Recalls
17V720000 · Nov 16, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
17V088000 · Feb 9, 2017
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
Complaints
33 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 3, fire flag on 0, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP22005 | Pedestrian alert sounds · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 HB RWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 BEV · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 137 | 111 | 124 | 27.0 | 81 | $600 |
| i3 REX · 0.6L · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 41 | 37 | 39 | 29.0 | 150 | $2,100 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2016 BMW i3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.