Model year
2017 BMW i3
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 53 complaints for the 2017 BMW i3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12), STEERING (11), STRUCTURE:BODY (10). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 35 mpg combined and 118–124 MPGe combined and 27–30 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $600–$2,350, 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.
16V914000 · Dec 20, 2016
AIR BAGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper…
Complaints
53 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 1, injury field 4, 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 | — |
| PHEV 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 (60 Amp-hour battery) · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 137 | 111 | 124 | 27.0 | 81 | $600 |
| i3 BEV (94 Amp-hour battery) · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 129 | 106 | 118 | 29.0 | 114 | $650 |
| i3 REX (94 Amp-hour battery) · 0.6L · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 36 | 33 | 35 | 30.0 | 180 | $2,350 |
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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 2017 BMW i3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.