CarRecallWatchThe 2017 BMW I3 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (13 reports).
2017 BMW I3 recalls
Front airbag may raise neck injury risk for unbelted drivers
BMW is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles because the driver's frontal air bag system does not fully meet federal occupant crash protection requirements (FMVSS 208).
Fuel vent line can chafe and leak vapor, risking fire
A fuel tank vent line can rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable.
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
Certain vehicles have seat-mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Most common 2017 BMW I3 problems
Problem areas named in the 53 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Structure | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 |
| Steering | 11 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
What owners report
The rear backup camera view in the screen is completely overridden in reverse, by a tire pressure warning when a tire is low or there is another TPMS fault. It requires using the rotary dial to clear the message before the function of the backup camera is restored. Also, if the rear hatch is unlatched by mistake (easy to do with the i3 key fob design) the rear camera, which is located in the rear bumper, is completely disabled.
My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended warranty and they did not want to cover anything. They said this was normal wear and tear and they would not help me. From my understanding this is a much larger issue with all i3 models. I am also having a very hard time finding a body shop that will fix this for me. I have contacted several and they either don't know how to do it, or refuse to do it in fear that they might do it wrong. I am now conside
The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.
On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has to be replaced and it is costly.
I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a windshield. When I stopped, I saw more sheets hanging loose from the roof and I peeled off what I could. I think this is dangerous and understand it is common on BMW i3s (which are made of carbon fiber) and other BMW cars.
2017 BMW I3 questions
Does the 2017 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2017 BMW I3: Front airbag may raise neck injury risk for unbelted drivers; Fuel vent line can chafe and leak vapor, risking fire; Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW I3?
Based on 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (13), Unknown Or Other (12), Steering (11).
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 BMW I3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.