CarRecallWatchThe 2018 BMW I3 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (3 reports).
2018 BMW I3 recalls
Circuit Board Fault Can Cut Power and Cause Crash Risk
A circuit board in the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module can fail, which may shut down the supply of high-voltage electrical power to the vehicle.
Charging Cable Capacitors May Fail, Causing Shock or Fire
Capacitors inside the portable charging cable (TurboCord) used with these plug-in hybrid and electric BMWs may fail.
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).
Most common 2018 BMW I3 problems
Problem areas named in the 14 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
What owners report
After reviewing BMWâs warranty documentation, I believe that the part replaced â specifically the evaporative emissions (EVAP) valve or purge valve AND vapor canister (active charcoal canister) â should be covered under the California Extended Emissions Warranty (TZEV) for my 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender. According to BMWâs California Emissions Warranty documentation (pages 14), the Evaporative Canister / Active Charcoal Filter is explicitly listed as a covered component under the Extended Emissions Warranty applicable to BMW i3 Range Extender vehicles in California. Furthermore, page 18 of the same document outlines the California Emission Control System Limited Warranty (TZEV),
Roof delaminating and is danger of flying off
This isn't a safety issue, rather it's a known problem with the factory AC compressor inside of BMW i3s and i8s that seem to constantly fail. I had a replacement under the car's factory warranty and the part already failed again right outside the part's warranty period. The replacement itself was quoted as a little over $9,000 but the dealership has since gone down to just under $4,000 to replace something that's just 2 months outside of warranty (but is probably something that would have failed an inspection had I just "taken it in" earlier). NUMEROUS people in online forums have confirmed this to be a known issue, but the company is holding their ground. Car companies should be held to
My car has a problem with the carbon fiber roof panel. In the sun, the clear epoxy of the roof is de laminating from the carbon fiber beneath it. This is a safety issue because as it delaminates the clear epoxy is no longer properly attached to the roof and may fly off and into other vehicles when traveling at highway speeds. This is a well documented issue with these cars on the Reddit forum r/BMWi3.
The roof is cracking, yellowing and bubbling. I have heard that this is the beginning of roof failure and de-lamination. There have been reports and incidents of others roofs delaminating and having large pieces flying off and hitting other cars.
2018 BMW I3 questions
Does the 2018 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 BMW I3: Circuit Board Fault Can Cut Power and Cause Crash Risk; Charging Cable Capacitors May Fail, Causing Shock or Fire; Front airbag may raise neck injury risk for unbelted drivers. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW I3?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (3), Vehicle Speed Control (3), Fuel/Propulsion System (3).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 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.