2015 BMW i3 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2015 BMW i3.

20142016
Complaints
62
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2015 BMW i3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#115 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:28,642 mi
#27 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:39,000 mi
#37 complaints

Body Structure

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2015 BMW i3.

Steering Defects
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
28,642
Airbags
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
39,000
Body Structure
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
32,145
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
15,277
Transmission / Drivetrain
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Compressor:Module (Accm)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 BMW i3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2015 BMW i3

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~57,203 vehicles.

17V720000Air Bags:frontal
~32,000 affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

17V088000Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
~19,130 affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.

15V628000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~6,073 affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Other BMW i3 Years

2015 BMW i3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2015 BMW i3 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2015 BMW i3 has 62 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering Defects with 15 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2015 BMW i3?
Top reported problems: Steering Defects (15 complaints, avg 28,642 mi); Airbags (7 complaints, avg 39,000 mi); Body Structure (7 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 BMW i3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 29,034 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2015 BMW i3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2015 BMW i3 include 3 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2015 BMW i3 have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 57,203 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2015 BMW i3?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full BMW i3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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