Model year
2018 BMW i3
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 14 complaints for the 2018 BMW i3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3), STEERING (3), STRUCTURE:BODY (3). 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 112–118 MPGe combined and 28.6–31 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $650–$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
19V310000 · Apr 17, 2019
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
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.
18V652000 · Sep 20, 2018
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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 iPerformance vehicles.…
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…
Complaints
14 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEV 5 HB RWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
| REX 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 (94Ah) with Range Extender · 0.6L · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 36 | 33 | 35 | 31.0 | 180 | $2,350 |
| i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender · 0.6L · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 36 | 33 | 35 | 31.0 | 180 | $2,350 |
| i3 (94Ah) · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 129 | 106 | 118 | 28.6 | 114 | $650 |
| i3s (94Ah) · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 126 | 99 | 112 | 30.0 | 107 | $650 |
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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 2018 BMW i3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.