This page covers 3 recalls and 48 owner complaints for the 2017 BMW I3.
The most consistent pattern owners of the 2017 BMW i3 report involves steering and structural concerns. On the steering side, owners describe loss of control or unexpected handling behavior, making it one of the most frequently mentioned systems. The structural complaints center heavily on the carbon fiber roof, where multiple owners report delamination, bubbling, and peeling, in some cases describing sections the size of a hand that continue to expand over time. A smaller number of owners report powertrain-related issues. A couple of isolated reports mention telematics connectivity failures affecting emergency call functions, and one report describes difficulty adjusting seatbelt straps. The roof deterioration pattern stands out for its consistency across multiple reports, with owners describing visible and progressive surface breakdown on the exterior carbon fiber panels.
48
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 BMW i3 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fuel vapor leak on range-extender hybrid models where a vent line can rub through and allow vapors to escape near potential ignition sources, raising the risk of fire.
Two recalls involve airbags. On certain vehicles, a seat-mounted side airbag inflator can fail to ignite, meaning the bag does not deploy in a crash. There is also a frontal airbag concern specific to unbelted small adult drivers, where the airbag system does not adequately protect against neck injury in a frontal collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver airbag system may not provide adequate protection for unbelted small adult drivers in a frontal crash, increasing risk of neck injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the driver airbag control unit software at no cost to improve crash protection.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank vent line may rub against the battery cable's protective sleeve, creating a hole that allows fuel vapor to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the vent line, replace it if needed, and install a clip to prevent rubbing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat-mounted side airbag inflator initiators may fail to ignite in a crash, preventing the airbag from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected airbag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
