repaired · 2019 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
2017 BMW I3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 53 owner complaints about the 2017 BMW I3, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-914 the manufacturer reports only 87% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2017 BMW I3 has problems
53 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Structure
11Steering1 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system
6Power train1 crash/fire/injury
3Air bags
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Vehicle speed control
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Service brakes
1111 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 12 | 0 |
| Steering | 11 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 1 |
| Air bags | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 11 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2017 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.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Air bags
Risk. If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
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
2017 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
2017 BMW I3 safety ratings
2017 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 2017 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.
My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended…
The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.
On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me…
Own a 2017 I3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.