VehicleVerdict

2018 BMW i3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2018 BMW i3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other i3 years?

i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 BMW i3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering318%
Body & Structure318%
Fuel System318%
Speed Control318%
Airbags16%
Transmission16%
Driver Assistance16%
Electrical System16%
Tires & Wheels16%

Does the 2018 BMW i3 have recalls?

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

19V310000Fuel SystemApril 17, 2019 · 159 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.

Consequence

A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

18V652000Electrical SystemSeptember 20, 2018 · 3,501 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.

Consequence

An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“This isn't a safety issue, rather it's a known problem with the factory AC compressor inside of BMW i3s and i8s that seem to constantly fail. I had a replacement under the car's factory warranty and the part already failed again right outside the part's warranty period. The replacement itself was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 16, 2024

“On two occasions the power steering failed while i was driving, once several months ago and again last Wednesday. Fortunately i was driving on surface streets close to home. i parked the car for twenty minutes and upon starting it the problem seemed to be gone. After the first occurance i went to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 28, 2023

“My car has a problem with the carbon fiber roof panel. In the sun, the clear epoxy of the roof is de laminating from the carbon fiber beneath it. This is a safety issue because as it delaminates the clear epoxy is no longer properly attached to the roof and may fly off and into other vehicles when…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 16, 2024

“CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATES FOR NO REASON CAUSING SUDDEN DECELERATION. OCCURS RANDOMLYN DURING CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS. BMW DEALER HAS RECIBRATED THE SENSOR AND UPDATED THE SOFTWARE. NO IMPROVEMENT. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 11, 2021

“I CAME OUT OF THE PUBLIC GARAGE WHERE I CHARGED MY 2018 BMW I3'S AT A CHARGE POINT STATION FOR A LITTLE LESS THAN 4 HOURS (ABOUT 47 MILES RANGE), AND SUDDENLY WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, A BIG RED ERROR MESSAGE CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD (DRIVETRAIN SOMETHING....) AND THE CAR STOPPED. I TRIED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 22, 2020

2018 BMW i3 — common questions

Is the 2018 BMW i3 reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 i3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (3 complaints), speed control (3 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 BMW i3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 BMW i3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 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.