The BMW i3 spans 2014–2021 with 17 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2017, 2014, 2015 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2018, 2019, 2020. It delivers up to 124 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The BMW i3 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2014 to 2021 across multiple generations.
How to read a BMW i3 VIN — every digit explained
Every BMW i3 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a BMW and the country it was built in (real BMW codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this i3.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Germany3MF · 3MW · 5UM · WAP · WB1 · WB3
- USA4US · 5UX · 5YM
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your i3, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the BMW i3 have?
The BMW i3 has 17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2014–2021. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2019 BMW i3 recalls 1
Hybrid Propulsion System
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
Risk. A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2018 BMW i3 recalls 3
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
Hybrid Propulsion System
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
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.
2017 BMW i3 recalls 3
Air Bags
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
2016 BMW i3 recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
2015 BMW i3 recalls 3
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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."
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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
2014 BMW i3 recalls 4
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling a certain model year BMW i3 vehicle manufactured March 31, 2014, and certain 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop vehicles manufactured February 2, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an air bag inflator that was not assembled correctly. This could cause the air bag to not deploy properly in the event of an accident.
Risk. If the air bag deploys improperly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bags, the seat occupant may be at an increased risk of injury.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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."
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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
Best and worst years for the BMW i3
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 8 tracked years, the worst years are 2017, 2014, 2015 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2018, 2019, 2020.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 i3 | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2015 i3 | Steering | Avoid | |
| 2016 i3 | Structure | Average | |
| 2017 i3 | Steering | Avoid | |
| 2018 i3 | — | Best | |
| 2019 i3 | — | Best | |
| 2020 i3 | — | Best | |
| 2021 i3 | — | Average |
What are the most common BMW i3 problems?
The most-reported BMW i3 problems are Seats (2 reports), Tires (3 reports) and Buckle (1 reports) — out of 178 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
BMW i3 specifications & dimensions
The 2014–2021 BMW i3 measures 157″ long on a 101″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,635 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the BMW i3 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2021 | 157″ | 70″ | 62″ | 101″ | 2,635 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
BMW i3 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the i3 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 84 cu ft of passenger volume and 15 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
BMW i3 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the BMW i3 get?
The BMW i3 returns up to 124 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $600/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2021 BMW i3 (0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid) gets 31 MPGe and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 22 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 10/10, smog 7/10) — that's about $6,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 i3 | 30 | 31 | $2,500 | 22 | 7/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2020 i3 | 30 | 31 | $2,500 | 22 | 7/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2019 i3 | 30 | 31 | $2,500 | 22 | 7/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2018 i3 | 36 | 33 | $2,200 | 29 | 7/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2017 i3 | 36 | 33 | $2,200 | 29 | 9/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2016 i3 | 41 | 37 | $2,000 | 37 | 9/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2015 i3 | 41 | 37 | $2,000 | 40 | 9/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2014 i3 | 41 | 37 | $2,000 | 40 | 9/10 | 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid |
The 2021 BMW i3 gets 113 MPGe and costs about $650/yr to fuel — that's about $7,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 i3 | 124 | 102 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2020 i3 | 124 | 102 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2019 i3 | 124 | 102 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2018 i3 | 129 | 106 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2017 i3 | 137 | 111 | $600 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2016 i3 | 137 | 111 | $600 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2015 i3 | 137 | 111 | $600 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2014 i3 | 137 | 111 | $600 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the i3 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient electric cars, or calculate this i3's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the BMW i3 have? Power & range
The BMW i3 is offered with 2 powertrains — 0.6L 2-cyl Hybrid, Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 0.6L · 2-cyl | Single-speed | RWD | Premium Gas or Electricity |
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | RWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a BMW i3 cost to own?
A used BMW i3 sells for a median of about $20,500 for a 2019 — most listed between $14,999 and $22,498, from 36 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 i3 | $14,999–$22,498 | 3 | |
| 2018 i3 | $12,985–$15,498 | 4 | |
| 2017 i3 | $9,500–$14,998 | 7 | |
| 2016 i3 | $5,555–$12,977 | 4 | |
| 2015 i3 | $2,500–$11,800 | 7 | |
| 2014 i3 | $5,900–$9,940 | 11 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a i3 is worth today, or browse used-market prices for electric cars.
A BMW i3 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this i3 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $3,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the i3 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a BMW i3 to insure?
A BMW i3 costs about $1,304 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 9% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (91, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the i3's HLDI loss index. See BMW insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the BMW i3 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the i3 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a BMW i3 last?
A well-maintained BMW i3 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your BMW i3’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this i3’s VIN free →All BMW i3 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the BMW i3 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 i3 | 0 | — | |
| 2020 i3 | 0 | — | |
| 2019 i3 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 i3 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2017 i3 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2016 i3 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2015 i3 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2014 i3 | 4 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the i3?
By owner-complaint volume, 2017, 2014, 2015 drew the most reports. 2018, 2019, 2020 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the i3 have?
17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2014–2021. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all BMW recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the i3 get?
Up to 124 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a i3 last?
A well-maintained i3 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the i3 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the i3 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the BMW i3 warranty?
New BMW models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a BMW dealer.
Where is the BMW i3 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your i3's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; BMW may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a i3 weigh?
The i3's curb weight is around 2,635 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the i3 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.