2019 BMW I3 recalls
Recall 19V-599: Hybrid Propulsion System, Electrical System
Reported Aug 14, 2019 · 139 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 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 October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019 BMW I3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
Most reported parts
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,400 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 2019 BMW I3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Jul 21, 2026
The car has lost power on the highway multiple times and gone into Limp mode with no warnings on the dashboard. The Rex engine has failed to start as well. Very dangerous on the highway going 20 mph trying to make the next exit. The car has been back to the BMW dealer multiple times (over 2.5 months at the dealer ) with no repair. They are now offering to take the car in trade. The car is still under the EV warranty in California. Seems they and BMW engineering donât know how to repair the car and are now putting the burden on the consumer.
Power Train · reported May 11, 2026
This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions in the vehicle. My understanding is that 2019 BMW…
Seat Belts · reported Oct 22, 2025
In early September, a "driver retention system" error appeared the dash display of my '19 i3. I searched the issue on line and tried but failed to resolve it. A few weeks later, the seat belt alarm stopped going off when the belt was clasped. At this point, I had no choice but bring it in for a fix. The dealer advised that there would be a $305 fee to diagnose the problem. They found a faulty belt buckle that failed in normal use. To fix it was going to cost another $805.22 to replace the buckle. I had no choice but to authorize this work. I believe safety related equipment should be covered…
Service Brakes · reported Jul 6, 2025
We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us forward, but there was no car behind us. We were moving as though we had just started a drag race - full acceleration - and the brakes did not respond. We crashed into the car in front of us at full acceleration despite me pumping the brakes at least twice. It was surreal. We drive a 2019 BMW i3. Itâs…
Hybrid Propulsion System · at 43,000 miles · reported Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 BMW I3. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic on a bridge, the vehicle stalled, and independently shifted to park(P). The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The Police arrived on the scene and directed traffic around the vehicle until a tow truck arrived to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) module had failed and short circuited the safety box inside of the high voltage battery and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2019 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 BMW I3: 19V-599 (hybrid propulsion system, electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 BMW I3?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by steering (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,400 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.