repaired · 2020 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 BMW I3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2018 BMW I3, most often about the steering. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-310 the manufacturer reports only 92% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 BMW I3 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Steering
3Structure
3Fuel/propulsion system
3Vehicle speed control
1Tires
1Power train
1Electrical system
1Forward collision avoidance
1Air bags
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 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 · 2020 Q2
Equipment: electrical
Risk. An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck 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
2018 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 BMW I3, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What I3 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On two occasions the power steering failed while i was driving, once several months ago and again last Wednesday. Fortunately i was driving on surface streets close to home. i parked the car for twenty minutes and upon starting it the problem seemed to be gone. After the first occurance i went to…
Hello, I am owning a BMW i3REX (2018). Recently like many other users experienced multiple times the loss of power steering after starting the vehicle. While previous events like this were short lived and resolved with stopping, turning off and on the vehicle, this time it was on entering a…
IT'S MY 7TH MONTH DRIVING BRAND NEW 2018 I3 BEV. AFTER GOT OFF THE WORK TODAY, THE JULY 25TH, 2019, THE CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT. I HAD NO PROBLEM I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT SO I CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR AND IT WAS JUST FINE. I REALIZED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL GOT HEAVIER THAN USUAL AND…
Own a 2018 I3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.