BMW i3 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW i3 years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2017 has the most complaints per year, at 5 (52 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 1 (from 33 complaints), 2015 at 2 (from 47 complaints), and 2014 at 4 (from 49 complaints). On the 2017 BMW i3, 11 of 52 complaints name Structure.
Data as of .
BMW i3 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW i3. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 72 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 72 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 72 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 76.5 |
| 2017 → Most | 5 | 52 | 3 | Structure | 92.3 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 1 | 33 | 2 | Structure | 81.5 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 2 | 47 | 3 | Steering | 81.5 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 4 | 49 | 4 | Steering | 81.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Hatchback
- Tire size
- 155/70R19 front (175/60R19 rear staggered); 155/60R20 front (175/55R20 rear) optional front / 155/70R19 or 175/60R19 (staggered packages); 155/60R20 or 175/55R20 optional rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 17V-088 covers certain 2014-2017 i3 REx range-extender hybrids: the fuel-tank vent line may rub against the battery positive cable sleeve and develop a hole, which can leak fuel vapor and increase fire risk. The campaign lists 19,130 vehicles; dealers inspect and replace the vent line as needed and install a clip. Recall 17V-720 covers certain 2014-2018 i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles: unbelted small-adult drivers may face higher neck-injury risk in a frontal crash. That campaign lists 32,000 vehicles; dealers update the driver air-bag control-unit software.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW i3 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 1 (from 33 complaints), 2015 at 2 (from 47 complaints), and 2014 at 4 (from 49 complaints).
Which BMW i3 year has the most owner complaints?
2017 has the most complaints per year, at 5 (52 complaints). On the 2017 BMW i3, 11 of 52 complaints name Structure.
How do BMW i3 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW i3 years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Does the BMW i3 need engine oil changes?
Battery-electric i3 models have no conventional engine oil; REx models have a small range-extender gasoline engine with its own service schedule.
What tire sizes does the BMW i3 use?
Common OEM fitments are 155/70R19 (often with staggered 175/60R19 rear) and optional 20-inch 155/60R20 / 175/55R20 packages; confirm the door placard.
What recalls affect certain BMW i3 models?
NHTSA campaigns include 17V-088 (REx fuel-tank vent line) and 17V-720 (driver air-bag control software for certain 2014-2018 models).