3 recalls and 47 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2015 BMW I3.
3
recalls
47
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2015 BMW I3 recalls
Air bags: frontal
NHTSA campaign 17V720000 · reported November 16, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 32,000 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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."
The risk
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix
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.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA campaign 17V088000 · reported February 9, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 19,130 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 15V628000 · reported October 7, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 6,073 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
The fix
MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Steering15
Air bags7
Structure7
Electrical system6
Vehicle speed control6
Power train4
Engine3
Fuel/propulsion system2
Seat belts2
Unknown or other2
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 10, 2026 · Suspension
In the middle of driving, the coil spring on rear passenger side snapped. What happened to me today was exactly what the search result showed from the internet. And yet, when I put in my VIN # to your and BMW website, I got 0 recall for this VIN. Mine is 2015, what am I missing? Googel: Early BMW i3 models…
Oct 22, 2025 · Structure
When driving down the interstate the carbon fiber roof suddenly delaminated of its top layer causing the cars behind me to have to slam on the brakes as chunks of carbon fiber flew off the car. This is a known issue with the BMW carbon fiber roofs that is worse on the i3 because of instead of a weave it is forged…
Jul 15, 2025 · Structure
Carbon fiber roof is experiencing sun damage beyond what is normal.
Jul 12, 2025 · Unknown or other
roof damage
Feb 26, 2024 · Air bags
airbag failed. alert light went on. Had to be replaced.
Across all years, the 2014 I3 has the most complaints (54). All BMW I3 years →
Questions
Does the 2015 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 BMW I3, the most recent reported on November 16, 2017 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW I3?
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (15 complaints), followed by air bags (7).
How many 2015 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 47 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 10, 2026.