VehicleVerdict

2017 BMW i3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 70 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median i3 year — the 2017 model ranks #2 of 9 i3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (13), steering (11), and body & structure (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

70

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other i3 years?

i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 BMW i3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1319%
Steering1116%
Body & Structure1116%
Electrical System913%
Transmission69%
Airbags46%
Fuel System34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Brakes23%
Speed Control23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Seat Belts11%
Suspension11%
Engine11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%

Does the 2017 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.

16V914000AirbagsDecember 20, 2016 · 3,506 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

Consequence

If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 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.

“A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 23, 2024 · fire

“On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 30, 2026

“DROVE CAR 8 MILES AS NORMAL. GOT BACK IN CAR AND STEERING WAS ABNORMAL. FELT AS IF HAD A FLAT (WHICH DID NOT). IN STEERING, THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT, AND NEEDED COUNTER STEERING. THE CENTER FEEL OF THE STEERING WAS DIFFERENT, AND EASY TO TURN TO THE LEFT. PARKED THE CAR, WAITED 5 MINUTES, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 12, 2019

“There was an electrical fault in the door handle, specifically for the comfort access function circuit inside the handle itself. There was smoke and extreme heat. Luckily no fire started, before the battery was disconnected. Our understanding is, this is a known problem with the circuit board…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 2, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, HIS VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. AS THE CONTACT STRUGGLED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE STEERED THE VEHICLE INTO A WOODED AREA WHERE HE HIT A TRASH DUMPSTER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 3, 2020 · crash

2017 BMW i3 — common questions

Is the 2017 BMW i3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 70 complaints put the 2017 model at #2 of 9 i3 years. It is one of the i3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 i3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (13 complaints), steering (11 complaints), body & structure (11 complaints).

Does the 2017 BMW i3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 BMW i3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 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.