BMW I3 Recalls

The BMW i3 has 10 recalls covering 2014 through 2019 model years, with the most serious being a circuit board fault in the electric motor electronics module on 2018 and 2019 models that can cut high-voltage power to the drive motor without warning, causing a sudden loss of propulsion while driving.

The 2018 and 2019 model years share this propulsion loss issue, and prior repair attempts on 2018 vehicles did not fully resolve it, leading to a follow-up recall covering 2019 models as well. On 2018 models, a separate concern involves the TurboCord Portable Charger, where capacitors inside the charger can fail and create a shock or fire hazard during charging.

The range-extender versions from 2014 through 2017 have a fuel system concern: the fuel tank vent line can rub against a ribbed wire sleeve nearby, wear through over time, and leak fuel vapor into an enclosed, warm engine compartment where an ignition source can cause a fire. A similar chafing issue on the vent line was also identified specifically on 2014 REx models.

On the airbag side, 2014 through 2015 models can have a passenger frontal airbag that fails to deploy correctly in a low-speed crash due to a manufacturing error in the inflator, leaving the front passenger with reduced protection. A small number of 2014 vehicles built on a specific date may have an airbag inflator that was not assembled correctly, also affecting deployment. The 2017 model year has a seat-mounted side airbag inflator initiator that can fail to ignite, preventing that airbag from deploying in a crash.

Going back to 2014 through 2018, a compliance recall covers unbelted small-stature adult drivers who can face a higher risk of neck injury in a frontal crash, as these vehicles do not meet federal occupant crash protection requirements for that occupant type.