Worst 2017 BMW i3 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Body Structure
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 BMW i3.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | 13,030 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | 26,104 mi | |
| Body Structure | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | 1 | — | 23,395 mi | |
| Airbags | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Markings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 BMW i3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2017 BMW i3
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~54,636 vehicles.
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."
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Other BMW i3 Years
2017 BMW i3 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 BMW i3 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2017 BMW i3?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 BMW i3?
How safe is the 2017 BMW i3?
Does the 2017 BMW i3 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2017 BMW i3?
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.
Check Your Specific 2017 BMW i3
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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