CarRecallDB

2018 BMW I3 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 BMW I3.

3
recalls
14
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2018 BMW I3 recalls

Hybrid propulsion system · Electrical system: propulsion system, traction battery

NHTSA campaign 19V310000 · reported April 17, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 159 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
The risk
A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 18V652000 · reported September 20, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC · 3,501 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
The risk
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Jun 18, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

After reviewing BMW’s warranty documentation, I believe that the part replaced — specifically the evaporative emissions (EVAP) valve or purge valve AND vapor canister (active charcoal canister) — should be covered under the California Extended Emissions Warranty (TZEV) for my 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender. According…

Aug 12, 2024 · Structure

Roof delaminating and is danger of flying off

Jul 24, 2024 · Fuel/propulsion system

This isn't a safety issue, rather it's a known problem with the factory AC compressor inside of BMW i3s and i8s that seem to constantly fail. I had a replacement under the car's factory warranty and the part already failed again right outside the part's warranty period. The replacement itself was quoted as a little…

Apr 16, 2024 · Structure

My car has a problem with the carbon fiber roof panel. In the sun, the clear epoxy of the roof is de laminating from the carbon fiber beneath it. This is a safety issue because as it delaminates the clear epoxy is no longer properly attached to the roof and may fly off and into other vehicles when traveling at highway…

Aug 18, 2023 · Structure

The roof is cracking, yellowing and bubbling. I have heard that this is the beginning of roof failure and de-lamination. There have been reports and incidents of others roofs delaminating and having large pieces flying off and hitting other cars.

I3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 34711
2016 23330
2017 35321
2018 31400
2019 11310
2021 0100

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

Questions

Does the 2018 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 BMW I3, the most recent reported on April 17, 2019 (Hybrid propulsion system, Electrical system: propulsion system, traction battery). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW I3?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (3 complaints), followed by steering (3).
How many 2018 BMW I3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 14 complaints report a crash and 0 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 June 18, 2026.