VehicleVerdict

2019 BMW i3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2019 BMW i3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

21

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other i3 years?

i3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 BMW i3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System524%
Steering419%
Fuel System314%
Other210%
Transmission210%
Seat Belts15%
Engine15%
Brakes15%
Speed Control15%
Body & Structure15%

Does the 2019 BMW i3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V599000Fuel SystemAugust 14, 2019 · 139 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 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 October 11, 2019. 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.

“We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 6, 2025 · crash

“STEERING HAS BEEN NORMAL UNTIL NOW. SUDDENLY ON TWO OCCASIONS AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT IT WAS HARD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. STEERING FELT AS IF TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW. PRESSURE WAS NOT LOW. THIS IS FIRST TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON INTERNET SEARCHES. HAVE NOT DRIVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 23, 2019

“The drivetrain system malfunctioned while increasing from 60 MPH to 70 MPH. The vehicle lost all propulsion mid-journey. This put myself as well as other drivers around me at risk while I coasted to a stop on the freeway. The vehicle's warning system stated: “Drivetrain Malfunction: Stop…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 17, 2024

“We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 6, 2025 · crash

“The drivetrain system malfunctioned while increasing from 60 MPH to 70 MPH. The vehicle lost all propulsion mid-journey. This put myself as well as other drivers around me at risk while I coasted to a stop on the freeway. The vehicle's warning system stated: “Drivetrain Malfunction: Stop…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 17, 2024

2019 BMW i3 — common questions

Is the 2019 BMW i3 reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 i3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), steering (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2019 BMW i3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 BMW i3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 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.