VehicleVerdict

2020 BMW i8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2020 BMW i8 — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other i8 years?

i8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted7 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 1 complaints
i8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all i8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 BMW i8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2020 BMW i8 have recalls?

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

20V601000Electrical SystemSeptember 30, 2020 · 4,509 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

Consequence

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy

BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. 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 2020 BMW i8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V601000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CELLS THAT WERE FAULTY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 22, 2020

2020 BMW i8 — common questions

Is the 2020 BMW i8 reliable?

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

Does the 2020 BMW i8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 BMW i8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 BMW i8 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which BMW i8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the i8 years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2018. The cleanest record among i8 years belongs to 2020.

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.