2015 BMW I3 recalls and problems

The 2015 BMW I3 has 3 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2015 BMW I3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2015 BMW I3 recalls

Recall 17V-720: Air Bags

Reported Nov 16, 2017 · 32,000 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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."

Risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

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.

Recall 17V-088: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 9, 2017 · 19,130 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Recall 15V-628: Air Bags

Reported Oct 7, 2015 · 6,073 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.

Fix: MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2015 BMW I3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	15
Air Bags	9
Structure	7
Vehicle Speed Control	6
Electrical System	6
Power Train	4
Engine	3
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Seat Belts	2
Unknown or Other	2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 7
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Compressor › Module (Accm) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2015 BMW I3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Jul 10, 2026

In the middle of driving, the coil spring on rear passenger side snapped. What happened to me today was exactly what the search result showed from the internet. And yet, when I put in my VIN # to your and BMW website, I got 0 recall for this VIN. Mine is 2015, what am I missing? Googel: Early BMW i3 models, particularly from the 2014-2016 production runs, have known issues with rear coil springs snapping, often due to corrosion or poor heat treatment. If your rear end sags, you hear a loud clank over bumps, or you notice a piece of metal resting near your rear tires, a broken spring is the…

Structure · reported Oct 22, 2025

When driving down the interstate the carbon fiber roof suddenly delaminated of its top layer causing the cars behind me to have to slam on the brakes as chunks of carbon fiber flew off the car. This is a known issue with the BMW carbon fiber roofs that is worse on the i3 because of instead of a weave it is forged carbon.

Electrical System · at 80,000 miles · reported Oct 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the particles were blowing out of the vents while activating the A/C or the heater. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact…

Structure · reported Aug 19, 2023

The carbon fiber roof of my 2015 is de-laminating and the resin coating is bubbling. BMW knows its an issue for all I3's without a sun roof and with Carbon fiber roofs and won't fix it.

Structure · reported Aug 19, 2023

The carbon fiber roof is delaminating. The outer layer is pulling away from the base layer. I understand that this is a structural panel. No lights messages or warnings. The problem is very common with this vehicle. It has not been inspected.

Other BMW I3 years

2019 2018 2017 201620152014

Compare all BMW I3 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 BMW I3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 BMW I3: 17V-720 (air bags), 17V-088 (fuel system, gasoline), 15V-628 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 BMW I3?

Owners report steering problems most often (15 reports), followed by air bags (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.