2016 BMW i3 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 BMW i3.

20152017
Complaints
40
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Fatalities
—
Recalls
2

Worst 2016 BMW i3 Problems

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

#110 complaints

Body Structure

Avg mileage:13,872 mi
#28 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:39,583 mi
#35 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:29,000 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 BMW i3.

Body Structure
10
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
13,872
Steering Defects
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
39,583
Electrical Faults
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
29,000
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 BMW i3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 BMW i3

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~51,130 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.

Other BMW i3 Years

201420152016201720182019

2016 BMW i3 — FAQ

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

Is the 2016 BMW i3 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 BMW i3 has 40 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Body Structure with 10 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 BMW i3?
Top reported problems: Body Structure (10 complaints, avg 13,872 mi); Steering Defects (8 complaints, avg 39,583 mi); Electrical Faults (5 complaints, avg 29,000 mi). 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 2016 BMW i3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 26,104 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 BMW i3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 BMW i3 include 3 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 1 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 2016 BMW i3 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 51,130 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 2016 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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