2018 BMW I3 recalls and problems

The 2018 BMW I3 has 3 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 BMW I3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 BMW I3 recalls

Recall 19V-310: Hybrid Propulsion System, Electrical System

Reported Apr 17, 2019 · 159 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.

Risk: A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 18V-652: Equipment

Reported Sep 20, 2018 · 3,501 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.

Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

2018 BMW I3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Structure3
Tires1
Power Train1
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Electrical System1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 17,000 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 2018 BMW I3 complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 18, 2026
After reviewing BMW’s warranty documentation, I believe that the part replaced — specifically the evaporative emissions (EVAP) valve or purge valve AND vapor canister (active charcoal canister) — should be covered under the California Extended Emissions Warranty (TZEV) for my 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender. According to BMW’s California Emissions Warranty documentation (pages 14), the Evaporative Canister / Active Charcoal Filter is explicitly listed as a covered component under the Extended Emissions Warranty applicable to BMW i3 Range Extender vehicles in California. Furthermore…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 24, 2024
This isn't a safety issue, rather it's a known problem with the factory AC compressor inside of BMW i3s and i8s that seem to constantly fail. I had a replacement under the car's factory warranty and the part already failed again right outside the part's warranty period. The replacement itself was quoted as a little over $9,000 but the dealership has since gone down to just under $4,000 to replace something that's just 2 months outside of warranty (but is probably something that would have failed an inspection had I just "taken it in" earlier). NUMEROUS people in online forums have confirmed…
Structure · reported Apr 16, 2024
My car has a problem with the carbon fiber roof panel. In the sun, the clear epoxy of the roof is de laminating from the carbon fiber beneath it. This is a safety issue because as it delaminates the clear epoxy is no longer properly attached to the roof and may fly off and into other vehicles when traveling at highway speeds. This is a well documented issue with these cars on the Reddit forum r/BMWi3.
Structure · reported Aug 18, 2023
The roof is cracking, yellowing and bubbling. I have heard that this is the beginning of roof failure and de-lamination. There have been reports and incidents of others roofs delaminating and having large pieces flying off and hitting other cars.
Steering · reported Jul 1, 2023
On two occasions the power steering failed while i was driving, once several months ago and again last Wednesday. Fortunately i was driving on surface streets close to home. i parked the car for twenty minutes and upon starting it the problem seemed to be gone. After the first occurance i went to the dealer and they said they knew nothing about the problem. I also called BMW USA.... again they knew nothing. The second time, last week, i took the car to the dealer again and they located a software update. Without actually acknowledging the problem, BMW had a software update and after initially…

Other BMW I3 years

Compare all BMW I3 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 BMW I3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 BMW I3: 19V-310 (hybrid propulsion system, electrical system), 18V-652 (equipment), 17V-720 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW I3?

Owners report steering problems most often (3 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 17,000 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.