Does the 2016 BMW I3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 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 2016 BMW I3?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (10 complaints), followed by steering (8).

How many 2016 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 33 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 BMW I3 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 33 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW I3.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2016 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Structure10
Steering8
Air bags6
Electrical system5
Power train3
Engine2
Unknown or other2
Vehicle speed control2
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel/propulsion system1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 12, 2026 · Air bags
Driver airbag warning light illuminated. Vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Sherman Oaks (RO# 176741) and confirmed as a faulty driver airbag module - part# 32-30-6-870-366. BMW technician found fault code 930904: Driver's airbag interval stage 1, resistance too high stored. BMW NA declined goodwill repair assistance…

Jan 15, 2026 · Power train
While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle…

Jul 29, 2025 · Air bags
Faulty airbag warning

Apr 22, 2025 · Fuel system, gasoline · 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired…

Mar 3, 2025 · Structure
The roof has bubbled and peeled away leaving an exposed permeable roof, meaning if it rains, water will get into the car because of the roof material being not safe, not strong, peeling away. Just terrible! Looking online, so many people with i3s ha e all had the same issue!

I3 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2014	4	54	3	0
2015	3	47	1	1
2016	2	33	3	0
2017	3	53	2	1
2018	3	14	0	0
2019	1	13	1	0

Across all years, the 2014 I3 has the most complaints (54). All BMW I3 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 BMW I3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 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 2016 BMW I3?: Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (10 complaints), followed by steering (8).
How many 2016 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 33 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 12, 2026.