repaired · 2019 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
2016 BMW I3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 33 owner complaints about the 2016 BMW I3, most often about the structure. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-720 the manufacturer reports only 93% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 12, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 BMW I3 has problems
33 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Structure
8Steering
6Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system
3Power train
2Engine
2Vehicle speed control
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Service brakes
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 10 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 BMW I3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other I3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the I3 median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 BMW I3 safety ratings
2016 BMW I3 5 HB RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 BMW I3, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What I3 owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The roof has bubbled and peeled away leaving an exposed permeable roof, meaning if it rains, water will get into the car because of the roof material being not safe, not strong, peeling away. Just terrible! Looking online, so many people with i3s ha e all had the same issue!
Translucent protection coat on roof delaminated; pieces blown into air. Bare roof and some coat pieces available for inspection upon request (no inspection yet). Other BMW i3 owners have reported same issue. No prior indication of problem on vehicle itself.
Roof panel is deteriorating and loosing integrity. Outer laminate coat broke down in general sun conditions, and now underlying roof structure is breaking down as well. The dealer has not inspected the roof yet, but this is an issue widely discussed on community forums, and it’s breaking down on my…
Own a 2016 I3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.