Does the 2017 BMW I3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 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 2017 BMW I3?

Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (12 complaints), followed by unknown or other (12).

How many 2017 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 53 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2017 BMW I3 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 53 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 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.

2017 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

NHTSA campaign 16V914000 · reported December 20, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 3,506 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 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.

Structure12
Unknown or other12
Steering11
Electrical system8
Power train6
Air bags3
Fuel/propulsion system3
Electronic stability control (ESC)2
Service brakes2
Vehicle speed control2

What owners report

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

Oct 9, 2026 · Unknown or other
The rear backup camera view in the screen is completely overridden in reverse, by a tire pressure warning when a tire is low or there is another TPMS fault. It requires using the rotary dial to clear the message before the function of the backup camera is restored. Also, if the rear hatch is unlatched by mistake (easy…

Sep 17, 2026 · Structure
My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended warranty and they did not…

Jul 29, 2026 · Structure
The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.

Jun 27, 2026 · Structure
On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has…

May 31, 2026 · Structure
I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a…

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 2017 BMW I3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 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 2017 BMW I3?: Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (12 complaints), followed by unknown or other (12).
How many 2017 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 53 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 9, 2026.