NHTSA vehicle safety data

2015 BMW I3 Recalls & Complaints

The 2015 BMW I3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 47 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2015 BMW I3. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2015 BMW I3 owner complaints

Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 BMW I3, describing incidents dated November 1, 2015 to July 10, 2026.

Most-cited components

Steering 15 complaints
Air Bags 7 complaints
Structure 7 complaints
Electrical System 6 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 6 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints

Of the 47 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 1 a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11749626 · Filed July 10, 2026
In the middle of driving, the coil spring on rear passenger side snapped. What happened to me today was exactly what the search result showed from the internet. And yet, when I put in my VIN # to your and BMW website, I got 0 recall for this VIN. Mine is 2015, what am I missing? Googel: Early BMW i3…
ODI #11695130 · Filed October 22, 2025
When driving down the interstate the carbon fiber roof suddenly delaminated of its top layer causing the cars behind me to have to slam on the brakes as chunks of carbon fiber flew off the car. This is a known issue with the BMW carbon fiber roofs that is worse on the i3 because of instead of a…
ODI #11673642 · Filed July 15, 2025
Carbon fiber roof is experiencing sun damage beyond what is normal.

Read all 47 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2015 BMW I3 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
- Recall 22V-063

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Excessive Neck Tension-Extension Force/FMVSS 208

NHTSA #17V720000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported November 16, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 32,000 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified January 12, 2018 · Vehicles built September 1, 2013 – November 14, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Vent Line may Chafe and Leak Fuel Vapor

NHTSA #17V088000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported February 9, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 19,130 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.02% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 25, 2017 · Vehicles built March 5, 2014 – December 30, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag May not Deploy Properly

NHTSA #15V628000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported October 7, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 6,073 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 25, 2015 · Vehicles built March 17, 2014 – August 17, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2015 BMW I3 5 HB RWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional)

1 investigation

47 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 BMW I3.

Suspension

ODI #11749626

Incident: July 10, 2026 · Filed: July 10, 2026

In the middle of driving, the coil spring on rear passenger side snapped. What happened to me today was exactly what the search result showed from the internet. And yet, when I put in my VIN # to your and BMW website, I got 0 recall for this VIN. Mine is 2015, what am I missing? Googel: Early BMW i3 models, particularly from the 2014-2016 production runs, have known issues with rear coil springs snapping, often due to corrosion or poor heat treatment. If your rear end sags, you hear a loud clank over bumps, or you notice a piece of metal resting near your rear tires, a broken spring is the likely culprit. Symptoms and inspection details include: The Snapping Point: The spring typically breaks at the very first or second coil from the bottom.

Structure

ODI #11695130

Incident: October 18, 2025 · Filed: October 22, 2025

When driving down the interstate the carbon fiber roof suddenly delaminated of its top layer causing the cars behind me to have to slam on the brakes as chunks of carbon fiber flew off the car. This is a known issue with the BMW carbon fiber roofs that is worse on the i3 because of instead of a weave it is forged carbon.

Structure

ODI #11673642

Incident: July 15, 2025 · Filed: July 15, 2025

Carbon fiber roof is experiencing sun damage beyond what is normal.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11673052

Incident: July 10, 2025 · Filed: July 12, 2025

roof damage

Air Bags

ODI #11574129

Incident: January 2, 2024 · Filed: February 26, 2024

airbag failed. alert light went on. Had to be replaced.

Electrical System; Visibility

ODI #11550767

Incident: November 12, 2022 · Filed: October 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the particles were blowing out of the vents while activating the A/C or the heater. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer who diagnosed and determined that a component of the A/C system that cooled the electric hybrid battery needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the repair needed to be completed due to the risk of the battery overheating and catching on fire. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the contact was afraid of driving the vehicle. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact was advised that this was normal wear and tear of the hybrid battery system. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Structure

ODI #11539567

Incident: June 29, 2023 · Filed: August 19, 2023

Roof is delaminating and bubbling in some areas and chunks off roof have been flying impacting other cars windshield while obstructing view

Structure

ODI #11539543

Incident: August 1, 2023 · Filed: August 19, 2023

The carbon fiber roof is delaminating. The outer layer is pulling away from the base layer. I understand that this is a structural panel. No lights messages or warnings. The problem is very common with this vehicle. It has not been inspected.

Structure

ODI #11539524

Incident: August 1, 2023 · Filed: August 19, 2023

The carbon fiber roof of my 2015 is de-laminating and the resin coating is bubbling. BMW knows its an issue for all I3's without a sun roof and with Carbon fiber roofs and won't fix it.

Structure

ODI #11539390

Incident: May 1, 2022 · Filed: August 18, 2023

The roof has delaminated and is causing leaks within the main cabin yes available for inspection upon request. The structural integrity of the roof is no longer intact and only getting worse. Yes. The problem has been presented to bmw to no avail. BMW does not provide any means to repair nor will acknowledge the issue. Original the roof material got one area of bubbling and within a month or so it had spread throughout the remainder of the roof.

Other BMW I3 model years

Check your 2015 BMW I3 VIN

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