VehicleVerdict

2015 BMW i3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 62 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median i3 year — the 2015 model ranks #3 of 9 i3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (15), airbags (9), and body & structure (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

62

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other i3 years?

i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted77 complaints2014: 77 complaints2015: 62 complaints2016: 41 complaints2017: 70 complaints2018: 17 complaints2019: 21 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints
i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 BMW i3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1524%
Airbags915%
Body & Structure711%
Electrical System711%
Speed Control610%
Transmission46%
Fuel System35%
Engine35%
Other23%
Seat Belts23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Brakes12%
Seats12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2015 BMW i3 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V720000AirbagsNovember 16, 2017 · 32,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

17V088000Fuel SystemFebruary 9, 2017 · 19,130 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

15V628000AirbagsOctober 7, 2015 · 6,073 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING, STEERING BECAME HEAVY, NOTCHY. IT WOULD NOT CENTER ITSELF; FOR EXAMPLE, AROUND A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STAY IN THE DIRECTION I TURNED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS! IT SEEMS THERE IS A BUG IN THE SOFTWARE. BMW CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SEVERAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 6, 2018

“2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 18, 2025

“I TURNED ON THE CAR, OPENED THE GATE AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE LIGHTLY AND THE CAR FLEW OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIT THE GATE, FLEW OUT INTO THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR BRAKES NEVER WORKED. IT WAS AS IF THE GAS PEDDLE WAS STUCK AND THE BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 19, 2016 · crash

“THE CRUISE CONTROL RANDOMLY TURNS ITSELF OFF AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY GOES INTO REGENERATIVE BRAKING. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. IT HAS HAPPENED UNDER MANY DIFFERENT DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 5, 2019

2015 BMW i3 — common questions

Is the 2015 BMW i3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 62 complaints put the 2015 model at #3 of 9 i3 years. It is one of the i3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 i3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (15 complaints), airbags (9 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints).

Does the 2015 BMW i3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 BMW i3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 BMW i3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW i3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the i3 years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among i3 years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.