2017 BMW I3 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 I3.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V088000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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."
What could happen: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 I3.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V720000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-855-269-3361.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: 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."
Consequence: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
What could happen: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 I3.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V914000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2017 BMW I3 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Unknown Or Other (12), Body / structure (12), Steering (11), Electrical system (8), Transmission / drivetrain (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/09/2026 · Electrical system
The rear backup camera view in the screen is completely overridden in reverse, by a tire pressure warning when a tire is low or there is another TPMS fault. It requires using the rotary dial to clear the message before the function of the backup camera is restored. Also, if the rear hatch is unlatched by mistake (easy to do with the i3 key fob design) the r…
09/17/2026 · Body / structure
My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended warranty and they did not want to cover anything. They said this w…
07/29/2026 · Body / structure
The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.
06/27/2026 · Body / structure
On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has to be replaced and it is costly.
05/31/2026 · Body / structure
I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a windshield. When I stopped, I saw more she…
04/07/2026 · Chest Clip
We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions—including cleaning the adjuster area and check…
03/26/2026 · Unknown Or Other
After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the…
01/27/2026 · Body / structure
The roof is delaminating causing a danger to my vehicle and others