VehicleVerdict

2016 BMW i3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median i3 year — the 2016 model ranks #4 of 9 i3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (10), steering (8), and airbags (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

41

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other i3 years?

i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 BMW i3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1024%
Steering820%
Airbags615%
Electrical System512%
Transmission37%
Other25%
Speed Control25%
Fuel System25%
Engine25%
Brakes12%

Does the 2016 BMW i3 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard a whistling sound, and the roof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 17, 2021

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD SPEED ABOUT 40-50 MPH, STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN. THE WHEEL DOES NOT WANT TO CENTER. IT HAPPENED RANDOMLY AND CAN'T BE REPRODUCE EASILY. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST W MONTHS. I FEEL IT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 22, 2019

“Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authorized collision…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 14, 2021 · crash

“My bmw i3 has a faulty wiring harness or some other defect that is causing my car to turn off the airbag system. This is a chronic issue with bmw i3’s. Either the wiring harness is bad or the airbag becomes too stiff and the car deactivated the entire airbag system. Dangerous!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2023

“STARTED THE CAR AFTER CHARGING IT OVERNIGHT AND "DRIVETRAIN: STOP CAREFULLY" AND "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE THIS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 4, 2020

2016 BMW i3 — common questions

Is the 2016 BMW i3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 9 i3 years. It is one of the i3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 i3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (10 complaints), steering (8 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 BMW i3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 BMW i3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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.