BMW i3 years to avoid
The BMW i3 years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2015, 2016 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2022 is the cleanest year on record.
293
Total complaints
8
Recall campaigns
2014–2022
Years covered
4
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
i3 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 77 | |
| 2017 | High complaint rate | 71 | |
| 2015 | High complaint rate | 63 | |
| 2016 | High complaint rate | 41 |
Every i3 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 24 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 17 | 3 | |
| 2017avoid | 71 | 3 | |
| 2016avoid | 41 | 2 | |
| 2015avoid | 63 | 3 | |
| 2014avoid | 77 | 4 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW i3 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the i3 years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2015, 2016. The cleanest year on record is 2022.
What is the best year for the BMW i3?
By complaint volume, 2022 has the cleanest NHTSA record among i3 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW i3 have?
Across all model years, the i3 has 8 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 293 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.