Bmw I3 Reliability
278 NHTSA complaints (2014–2019). Complaint rate: 61.8 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: The Bmw I3 has consistently lower complaint volume in 2018–2019 compared to other years.
Avoid These Years
No years with significant complaint spikes.
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Bmw I3 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 47 | 0.0% |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 34 | 0.0% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 30 | 6.7% |
| POWER TRAIN | 28 | 3.6% |
| AIR BAGS | 23 | 17.4% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 19 | 10.5% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 16 | 12.5% |
| ENGINE | 15 | 6.7% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 14 | 0.0% |
| SEAT BELTS | 6 | 16.7% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 74 | 3 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015 | — | 62 | 3 | 1 | View 2015View→ |
| 2016 | — | 40 | 3 | — | View 2016View→ |
| 2017 | — | 68 | 4 | 1 | View 2017View→ |
| 2018GOOD | — | 16 | 0 | — | View 2018View→ |
| 2019GOOD | — | 18 | 3 | — | View 2019View→ |
See also: Bmw I3accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Bmw I3?
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