BMW i8 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW i8 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (5 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2016 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2020 at 0 (from 1 complaint). On the 2015 BMW i8, 2 of 5 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2015
2014
2016
2020
BMW i8 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 i8. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | Electrical system | 27 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 27 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 28 |
| 2016 Fewest | 0 | 3 | 0 | Electrical system | 28 |
| 2015 Most | 1 | 5 | 1 | Engine | 28 |
| 2014 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | Suspension | 28 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Coupe, Roadster
- Tire size
- 215/45R20, 245/40R20
Known issues for this generation
Recall 15V882000 covers certain 2015 i8 vehicles (~16 units) where improperly drilled holes in the Dynamic Stability Control hydraulic unit may restrict brake fluid flow. Recall 19V599000 covers certain 2019 i8 vehicles (with i3 BEV and i3 REx; ~139 units total) where an Electric Motor Electronics circuit-board problem may shut down high-voltage power supply. Recall 18V652000 covers certain 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles (with 330e, i3, X5 xDrive40e, and 530e/740Le plug-in models; ~3,501 units) where TurboCord portable charger capacitors may fail. Recall 20V601000 covers certain 2020 i8 vehicles among a multi-model hybrid-battery debris campaign (~4,509 units) that can short-circuit and raise fire risk; dealers inspect and replace battery modules as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW i8 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2016 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2020 at 0 (from 1 complaint).
Which BMW i8 year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (5 complaints). On the 2015 BMW i8, 2 of 5 complaints name Engine.
How do BMW i8 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW i8 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Does the BMW i8 use engine oil?
US models are battery-electric; there is no engine oil change. Follow the owner manual for coolant, brake fluid, and other EV service items.
What tire sizes fit a US BMW i8?
Common US fitments include front size 215/45R20, 245/40R20; sizes vary by trim—confirm on the door jamb placard.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US BMW i8?
Recall 15V882000 covers certain 2015 i8 vehicles (~16 units) where improperly drilled holes in the Dynamic Stability Control hydraulic unit may restrict brake fluid flow. Recall 19V599000 covers certain 2019 i8 vehicles (with i3 BEV and i3 REx; ~139 units total) where an Electric Motor Electronics circuit-board problem may shut down high-voltage power supply. Recall 18V652000 covers certain 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles (with 330e, i3, X5 xDrive40e, and 530e/740Le plug-in models; ~3,501 units) where TurboCord portable charger capacitors may fail. Recall 20V601000…