BMW i3, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Dietmar Rabich, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2016 BMW i3 recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2016 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
2
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
33
Latest campaign
Nov 16, 2017

Recall summary by component2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Air bags1Nov 16, 2017
17V720000
Fuel system, gasoline1Feb 9, 2017
17V088000

Safety recalls2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Nov 16, 2017Latest campaign
Nov 16, 201717V720000

Air bags: frontal

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 17V720000
What's wrong
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."
Risk
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 17V720000 · Nov 16, 2017
Feb 9, 201717V088000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 17V088000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 17V088000 · Feb 9, 2017
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the BMW recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component33

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
33Complaints filed
3Involving a crash
0Involving a fire
1Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Structure1030000
Steering824000
Air bags618101
Electrical system515000
Power train39000
Engine26000
Unknown or other26100
Vehicle speed control26000
Fuel/propulsion system13000
Fuel system13000
Gasoline13000
Service brakes13100

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Air bags

    “Driver airbag warning light illuminated. Vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Sherman Oaks (RO# 176741) and confirmed as a faulty driver airbag module - part# 32-30-6-870-366.”

    Filed 06/12/2026 · ODI 11743788
  • Power train

    “While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%).”

    Filed 01/15/2026 · ODI 11711282
  • Electrical system

    “Faulty airbag warning”

    Filed 07/29/2025 · ODI 11677072

Other BMW i3 model years

Other BMW models

All BMW models and years →

2016 BMW i3 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW i3 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 BMW i3. The most recent, 17V720000 (reported November 16, 2017), concerns air bags. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2016 BMW i3?

Structure is the most-reported component, named in 10 complaints out of 33 filed with NHTSA (30%). Across all complaints, owners reported 3 crashs and 0 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2016 BMW i3?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the BMW recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised BMW dealer.

Check a specific BMW by VIN

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