This page covers 4 recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2018 BMW I3.
For the 2018 BMW i3, the most consistent pattern owners describe involves the carbon fiber roof panel. Multiple owners report the clear coat or epoxy layer separating from the carbon fiber surface, showing up as bubbling, yellowing, cracking, or outright delamination, with concern that loose material can detach at highway speeds. A smaller but notable cluster of owners describes the electric power steering cutting out temporarily while driving, with steering returning to normal after the car is parked and restarted. The roof issue draws the most reports and appears to affect more than one owner even after replacement, with at least one owner noting the panel failed again after a prior repair.
13
Total Complaints
By System
The 2018 BMW i3 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fault in the electric motor electronics module that can cut drive power without warning, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate.
The propulsion loss issue is tied to a circuit board problem inside the electric motor electronics module that can shut down the high-voltage power supply to the drive motor. Although power steering and brakes remain functional when this happens, a sudden inability to accelerate in traffic raises the risk of a collision. There is also a concern with the TurboCord Portable Charger included with certain i3 models: capacitors inside the charger can fail and create a shock hazard or start a fire during charging. Finally, a compliance recall covers 2014 through 2018 i3 vehicles and concerns frontal airbag performance for unbelted small-statured adult drivers, who can face a higher risk of neck injury in a frontal crash than federal safety standards allow.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric motor electronics module may fail suddenly, cutting power to the drive motor. The 12-volt electrical system remains functional, so power steering and braking continue to work.
What the fix does
BMW will mail owners instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the electric motor electronics module.
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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
A faulty circuit board in the Electric Motor Electronics module may cut off high voltage power supply to the motor.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Electric Motor Electronics module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Capacitors in the TurboCord portable charger may fail, creating risk of electric shock or fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the charging cable and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
