Model year
2021 BMW i3
NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 1 complaint for the 2021 BMW i3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STRUCTURE:BODY (1). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 31 mpg combined and 113 MPGe combined and 29.8–32 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $650–$2,650, 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
No recalls are listed for this name in the matched NHTSA file.
Complaints
1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3s · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 124 | 102 | 113 | 29.8 | 153 | $650 |
| i3 with Range Extender · 0.6L · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32.0 | 200 | $2,650 |
| i3s with Range Extender · 0.6L · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32.0 | 200 | $2,650 |
| i3 · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 124 | 102 | 113 | 29.8 | 153 | $650 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
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 2021 BMW i3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.