Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw I3 brakes problems

15 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

213 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

21,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2014 to 2019 model years. Data updated: . 106 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

15 of 213 complaints match this topic (7.0%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10679476 · 2015-01-28 (January 28, 2015)

NEAR CRASH (CRASH AVOIDED BY MANUAL EMERGENCY BRAKING INTERVENTION) THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WAS FOLLOWING A BLACK SUV AT 8:30AM SOUTHBOUND ON CA101 (VEHICLE PRESENT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED). THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED SO NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN. THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL KEPT PACE AND WOULD HAVE COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE IF I HAD NOT TAKEN OVER. ONLY ABOUT TWO YARDS FROM THE VEHICLE, THE SYSTEM NOTICED THE SUV HAD SLOWED DOWN, BUT THIS WAS AFTER I ALREADY HIT THE BRAKES. CONDITIONS WERE GOOD. NO ADVERSE CONDIT…

Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10679476 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11151792 · 2018-11-15 (November 15, 2018)

I WENT TO LEAVE WORK. UPON TURNING THE CAR ON I NOTICED 3 WARNINGS APPEAR WHICH REQUIRED ME TO READ THEM AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEM. THEY WERE ALL RELATED TO THE AUTO BRAKING/PEDESTRIAN WARNING SYSTEM. DRIVING HOME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING STRANGE. I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED SLIGHTLY COUNTERCLOCKWISE VERSUS NORMAL WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE CAR WAS RESPONDING STRANGE WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE HIT A DIP OR RISE IN THE ROAD. THE REAR END FELT "LOOSER" THAN NORMAL. WHEN I GOT HOME I PARKED IT AND CALLED THE LOCAL BMW DEALER. THEY AR…

Owner-reported narrative. 23,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11151792 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11254803 · 2019-09-11 (September 11, 2019)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN JUNE OF 2019. IN EARLY AUGUST, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS ACTIVATED. WHILE BRAKING, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HEARD A THUMPING SOUND AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATOR INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW SEATTLE (1002 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE MO…

Owner-reported narrative. 13,015 miles reported. Look up ODI 11254803 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10839234 · 2016-03-01 (March 1, 2016)

THE ACC (ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL) SURPRISINGLY STOPS WORKING WHEN FACING A BRIGHT SUN. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN, BUT IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEEDS IF SOMEONE IS BEHIND ME. WHEN THE SUN HITS THE CAMERA, THE ACC SHUTS DOWN (WITH A WARNING ON THE SCREEN) AND THE REGEN BRAKING SYSTEM KICKS IN CAUSING THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN MUCH MORE THAN COASTING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO ON, BUT IF A CAR IS FOLLOWING AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS DO NOT SUGGEST THAT OUR CAR SHOULD BE BRAKING, THE CAR COUL…

Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10839234 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10886033 · 2016-07-20 (July 20, 2016)

I TURNED ON THE CAR, OPENED THE GATE AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE LIGHTLY AND THE CAR FLEW OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIT THE GATE, FLEW OUT INTO THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR BRAKES NEVER WORKED. IT WAS AS IF THE GAS PEDDLE WAS STUCK AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR.

Owner-reported narrative. 7,580 miles reported. Look up ODI 10886033 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

213 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-02.

49.8%Usable mileage106 / 213 records
100.0%Valid incident date213 / 213 records
100.0%Valid filing date213 / 213 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates213 / 213 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201420152016201720182019
Steering
713.0%
ODI 11181286 · 50,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME HEAVY - NO LONGER SELF-CENTERING. THE CAR WOULD STILL GO WHERE I POINTED IT, BUT THE WHEEL WOULDN'T RETURN TO CENTER LIKE USUAL. IT FELT VERY STIFF. AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES, IT RETURNED TO NORMAL.

Look up ODI 11181286 at NHTSA ↗

1531.9%
ODI 11118210 · 16,779 mi

I AM REPORTING A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET, GOING STRAIGHT. WHEN THE ISSUE HAPPENED, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT NOTICEABLY BY ITSELF AND IT TOOK FORCE BY HAND TO CORRECT IT SO THE CAR COULD GO STRAIGHT. THIS CREATED A SAFETY RISK CONCERN TO THE DRIVER. I FEEL THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS LIKELY ARE THE STEERING WHEEL AND ELECTRONICS SYSTEM. BELOW IS A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION: IN MARCH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED LEFT SLIGHTLY BY ITSELF AFTER THE CAR WAS STARTED. THIS POS…

Look up ODI 11118210 at NHTSA ↗

824.2%
ODI 11243170 · 16,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD SPEED ABOUT 40-50 MPH, STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN. THE WHEEL DOES NOT WANT TO CENTER. IT HAPPENED RANDOMLY AND CAN'T BE REPRODUCE EASILY. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST W MONTHS. I FEEL IT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE ROAD. IT FIXED ITSELF THE NEXT MORNING.

Look up ODI 11243170 at NHTSA ↗

1121.2%
ODI 11174542 · 1 mi

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A PARKING SPORT OR ACCELERATING FROM LOW VELOCITY, THE POWER STEERING ON LEFT APPEARS TO LOSE POWER. THE CAR BEGINS TO PULL VERY HEAVILY TO THE LEFT. THE ISSUE CONTINUES THE ENTIRE DRIVE. THE STEERING BECAME HARD. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL

Look up ODI 11174542 at NHTSA ↗

321.4%
ODI 11234935 · 6,500 mi

IT'S MY 7TH MONTH DRIVING BRAND NEW 2018 I3 BEV. AFTER GOT OFF THE WORK TODAY, THE JULY 25TH, 2019, THE CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT. I HAD NO PROBLEM I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT SO I CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR AND IT WAS JUST FINE. I REALIZED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL GOT HEAVIER THAN USUAL AND QUITE DIFFICULT TO TURN. IT WOULDN'T STAY CENTER BUT KEPT MOVING TO THE LEFT WHILE BEING REALLY HEAVY. EVEN ON THE FLAT PAVEMENT. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS VERY ISSUE WITH I3. MOST OF THEM SAID TURNING THE …

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430.8%
ODI 11290836 · 6,000 mi

STEERING HAS BEEN NORMAL UNTIL NOW. SUDDENLY ON TWO OCCASIONS AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT IT WAS HARD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. STEERING FELT AS IF TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW. PRESSURE WAS NOT LOW. THIS IS FIRST TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON INTERNET SEARCHES. HAVE NOT DRIVEN I3 AGAIN SINCE INCIDENT.

Look up ODI 11290836 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body
713.0%
ODI 11058406

THE DRIVER'S DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE OR DOES NOT LATCH. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT UNLATCHES/OPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING AS WELL. BMW DEALERSHIP STATES THAT IT REQUIRED OIL ON THE LATCH BUT THAT HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN I TRY TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND DRIVE AND WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.

Look up ODI 11058406 at NHTSA ↗

714.9%
ODI 11539180

Carbon fiber roof panel is bubbling and coming apart. BMW reports this is a structural component of the car and is designed to take impact stresses, however my vehicle and others, the roof is deteriorating and BMW does not acknowledge the issue.

Look up ODI 11539180 at NHTSA ↗

1030.3%
ODI 11138912 · 8,744 mi

REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED AT TAIL LIGHTS. 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. GLASS IS NOT REPLACEABLE, SO WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED. VERY POOR DESIGN AND WASTEFUL. AROUND 2000.00 TO FIX

Look up ODI 11138912 at NHTSA ↗

1019.2%
ODI 11556785

The roof of my car is delaminating. It's discoloring and developing bubbles. I looked online and found this is a common issue with the vehicle. I believe this may be a structural concern considering the cars body is composite and the roof contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Not to mention the danger to others on the freeway from large chunks of roof blowing off and hitting vehicles. (not from my vehicle but from other complaints I've read)

Look up ODI 11556785 at NHTSA ↗

321.4%
ODI 11539447

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.

Look up ODI 11539447 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 11590720

Paint bubbling concerns on carbon fiber roof of i3.

Look up ODI 11590720 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
611.1%
ODI 10659963 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

Look up ODI 10659963 at NHTSA ↗

612.8%
ODI 10819111 · 1,000 mi

THE CHARGING CABLE WON'T UNLOCK FROM THE CAR BECAUSE OF A BAD ACTUATOR AND SOFTWARE BUG, AND THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR FOR THE RANGE EXTENDER FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. BOTH ARE KNOWN PROBLEMS. BMW HAS REDESIGNED THE PARTS, BUT DOES NOT MAKE THE REPAIR BEFORE SELLING THE CARS. IT IS BROKEN FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A MONTH FOR DEFECTS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND ALL ISSUES SHOULD BE CORRECTED.

Look up ODI 10819111 at NHTSA ↗

515.2%
ODI 11252950 · 29,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, BOTH WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW NORTHWEST (4011 20TH ST E, TACOMA, WA 98424, [phone removed]); HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. AFTER ANOTHER TWO WEEKS, A REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER FROM THE MANUFACTURER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT A SOFTWARE REPAIR WAS NEEDE…

Look up ODI 11252950 at NHTSA ↗

713.5%
ODI 11067161 · 1,300 mi

THE WINDOWS WERE DOWN AND I WAS REACHING IN THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE (DOOR SHUT). MY THIGH MADE CONTACT WITH THE DOOR HANDLE AND LOCKED THE CAR. MY THIGH MAINTAINED CONTACT AND THE WINDOW BEGAN TO ROLL-UP. IT THEN CONTINUED UNTIL IT COMPRESSED MY TORSO AND THE MOTOR KEPT ATTEMPTING TO GO UP WITHOUT STOPPING. I THEN PRESSED THE INTERNAL UNLOCK BUTTON AND IT STOPPED. THE I3 I WAS DRIVING WAS A LOANER VEHICLE FROM BMW AS MINE WAS IN THE SHOP.

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17.1%
ODI 11464231

On May 2, 2022, the car began to power down involuntarily every time I applied the brakes. This happened 2-3 times, and I was able to restart. The final time was in the middle of an intersection, the car would not restart, could not be placed in neutral to be moved out of the intersection, and I had to have a police tow. The tow service took it to Sport Motoring, where they performed a diagnosis on May 3, 2022. The diagnosis shows 8 faults in the EME module, among other things. I located a recall (Recall #19V310000) for the 2018 i3 which detai…

Look up ODI 11464231 at NHTSA ↗

646.2%
ODI 11425977

On July 4, 2021, I realized that the charge port on my BMW i3 would not accept a charge plug - it appeared to be blocked. I took the car to the dealer and they informed me that the charge port had been damaged (melted) by heat from a defective charger. In addition to public charging, I had typically been using a home charger - a MUSTART Level 2 40-amp charge cable purchased from Amazon on February 4, 2019. The BMW technician requested to see the cable and it was confirmed to be damaged also. BMW attributed this incident to the charger rather th…

Look up ODI 11425977 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
1425.9%
ODI 10781193 · 5,000 mi

THE BMW I3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE THAT COMES WITH A RANGE EXTENDER HAS A CRITICAL HAZARDOUS DESIGN FLAW. IT CANNOT CONSISTENTLY POWER THE VEHICLE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED WHEN DRIVING ON A MODERATE INCLINE FOR A REASONABLE PERIOD. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU MAY BE DRIVING ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY AND RUN OUT OF ELECTRIC CHARGE AND THE RANGE EXTENDER WILL KICK IN. EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL YOU APPROACH A HILLY AREA. AS THE CAR ASCENDS THE INCLINE IT STARTS TO REDUCE SPEED. SO BEFORE YOU WERE GOING THE SAME SAFE SPEED AS THE SURROUNDING TRAFFIC NOW YOU ST…

Look up ODI 10781193 at NHTSA ↗

48.5%
ODI 10820554 · 9,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, ON AN EXTENDED RANGE, THE SPEED DECREASED TO BELOW 60 MPH AND COMPLETELY LOST ACCELERATION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.

Look up ODI 10820554 at NHTSA ↗

39.1%
ODI 11306969 · 13,000 mi

STARTED THE CAR AFTER CHARGING IT OVERNIGHT AND "DRIVETRAIN: STOP CAREFULLY" AND "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE THIS.

Look up ODI 11306969 at NHTSA ↗

611.5%
ODI 11182276 · 9,600 mi

CAR STOPPED ALL OF SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY HEADS-UP. SIMPLY SAID CALL DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION PLEASE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE MOST SCARY PART IS THAT THE SUDDEN STOP

Look up ODI 11182276 at NHTSA ↗

17.1%
ODI 11365847 · 16,176 mi

I CAME OUT OF THE PUBLIC GARAGE WHERE I CHARGED MY 2018 BMW I3'S AT A CHARGE POINT STATION FOR A LITTLE LESS THAN 4 HOURS (ABOUT 47 MILES RANGE), AND SUDDENLY WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, A BIG RED ERROR MESSAGE CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD (DRIVETRAIN SOMETHING....) AND THE CAR STOPPED. I TRIED TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES AND EVENTUALLY IT STARTED AGAIN AND ALLOWED ME TO GO BACK HOME. I READ A FEW THINGS ONLINE CONFIRMING THAT THERE IS NO WARNING MESSAGE AND THAT THE CAR CAN JUST STOP LIKE THAT AND I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT IT HAPPEN ON A FREEWAY WHEN…

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323.1%
ODI 11629361

The drivetrain system malfunctioned while increasing from 60 MPH to 70 MPH. The vehicle lost all propulsion mid-journey. This put myself as well as other drivers around me at risk while I coasted to a stop on the freeway. The vehicle's warning system stated: “Drivetrain Malfunction: Stop carefully and turn off engine. Do not continue driving. Call Roadside Assistance.” There are error codes that were considered by the manufacturer's nearest service center. And while certain reduction in efficiency of the High Voltage battery were identified, t…

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Air Bags
814.8%
ODI 10692088 · 9,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND REMAINED STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

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714.9%
ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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515.2%
ODI 11439937

Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authorized collision center and is considered totaled. There were no warning there was a problem and didn't appear until the collision happened and it didn't deploy.

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35.8%
ODI 11417984

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger restraint failure/seat sensor not registering occupant. Yes, it is a available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Failure to deploy airbag or airbag may deploy on a child under weight limit to register occupancy. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insuran…

Look up ODI 11417984 at NHTSA ↗

17.1%
ODI 11505089

"Driver restraint system malfunction" light came on today. BMW i3's have had recalls in their past models due to design flaws in their airbag systems and assembly. While my car's year hasn't had a recall, searching the web shows that this issue is extremely common on BMW cars. And when the car is out of warranty (after 3 years), the cost for fixing this issue is exhorbitant. BMW should be pushed to fix this issue at no cost versus charging customers thousands for their faulty safety system design.

Look up ODI 11505089 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
23.7%
ODI 11055105 · 29,000 mi

DECEMBER 6TH, 0650, I DROVE DOWN THE READY AVE NW IN FORT WALTON BEACH FL. I WAS DRIVING NORMAL - SPEED LIMIT 35 - WHEN I DROVE OVER A HUGE CUTOUT ON THE ROAD BECAUSE THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS, NO CONES - NOTHING. JUST A BIG HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. FRONT RIGHT TIRE GOT SEVERE DAMAGE FROM THAT CUTOUT ON A ROAD AND MY CAR NEEDED ALIGNMENT AFTER REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT.MY CHILD WAS IN A HOSPITAL AND I HAD TO GO COUPLE DAYS AFTER TO TAKE A PICTURE. THE CUTOUT WAS COVERED AND FILLED. I TOOK PICTURES OF EVIDENC…

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24.3%
ODI 11539353

The composite roof is blistering and beginning to delaminate.

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26.1%
ODI 11031969 · 35 mi

I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY IN THE MORNING AT AROUND 9:15 AM PREPARING TO PARK BMW I3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN TO THE GARAGE. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS WAITING FOR THE GARAGE DOOR TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BUT NOTICE THAT BRAKE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, MEANING THERE WAS NO FEELING OF VEHICLE WAS IN A LOCK POSITION DUE TO THE BRAKE BEING PRESSURED ON THE WHEEL. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE WENT ACCELERATING OR "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION". THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR THAT WAS ONLY HALF WAY UP AND WAS STI…

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1121.2%
ODI 11019184 · 2,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OFF AND STARTED ON FIRE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. WE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER (BMW) BUT NO ONE HAS CALLED BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL.

Look up ODI 11019184 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

215.4%
ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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Engine
916.7%
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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36.4%
ODI 10886033 · 7,580 mi

I TURNED ON THE CAR, OPENED THE GATE AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE LIGHTLY AND THE CAR FLEW OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIT THE GATE, FLEW OUT INTO THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR BRAKES NEVER WORKED. IT WAS AS IF THE GAS PEDDLE WAS STUCK AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR.

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26.1%
ODI 11252950 · 29,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, BOTH WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW NORTHWEST (4011 20TH ST E, TACOMA, WA 98424, [phone removed]); HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. AFTER ANOTHER TWO WEEKS, A REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER FROM THE MANUFACTURER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT A SOFTWARE REPAIR WAS NEEDE…

Look up ODI 11252950 at NHTSA ↗

11.9%
ODI 11503225

While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult neares…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

215.4%
ODI 11737149

This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions…

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Vehicle Speed Control
47.4%
ODI 10876037 · 16,000 mi

I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A COMMERCIAL BUIDLING. I REMEMBER SLOWING DOWN AS I APPROACHED THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CAR SLOWED, IT SUDDENLY JERKED AND THEN ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO GO OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING HEADER AND COLLIDE INTO BUILDING EXTERIOR AND METAL GATE. THE CAR WAS IN SLOW SPEED AS I ENTERED THE SPACE. THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISED AS I COULD SEE MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. BY THE TIME I COULD APPLY THE BREAKS, THE CAR HAD ALREADY HIT THE BUILDING WHICH CAUSE THE CA…

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612.8%
ODI 10817494 · 985 mi

2015 BMW I3 WITH RANGE EXTENDER (REX) JUST HIT 1000 MILES. HAD FOR 6 WEEKS. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A FREEWAY AT 75 MPH USING MY ELECTRIC CAR. AS THE BATTERY WAS ALMOST OUT OF JUICE, I KNEW THE FUEL RANGE EXTENDER WOULD KICK IN. HOWEVER, WHEN THE EXTENDER KICKED IN, MY MPH IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO DROP. WITHIN THE 15 SECONDS, I WAS DOWN TO 35 MPH FROM THE 75 I WAS TRAVELING. I HAD THE ACCELERATOR FLOORED, BUT COULD NOT GET ANY POWER TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS TURNED ON. MY CAR AND I SAFELY NAVIGATED TO THE…

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26.1%
ODI 10865893 · 50 mi

WHEN ELECTRIC RANGE IS OUT, THE ENGINE KICKS IN AND SPEED IMMEDIATELY DROP TO 50+MPH ON THE FREEWAY CLIMBING UP A HILL THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR WHICH SCARES ME AND I HAVE TO STAY ON THE LEFT LANE AND QUICKLY EXIT. I JUST READ THE LAWSUIT WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPEN TO ME TOO.

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23.8%
ODI 11321023 · 26,680 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, HIS VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. AS THE CONTACT STRUGGLED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE STEERED THE VEHICLE INTO A WOODED AREA WHERE HE HIT A TRASH DUMPSTER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEADACHE AND INJURIES TO HIS BACK AND NECK AREA. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE. THE POLICE WAS CALLED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED A POLICE REPORT. THE …

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214.3%
ODI 11387716 · 17,000 mi

CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATES FOR NO REASON CAUSING SUDDEN DECELERATION. OCCURS RANDOMLYN DURING CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS. BMW DEALER HAS RECIBRATED THE SENSOR AND UPDATED THE SOFTWARE. NO IMPROVEMENT.

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17.7%
ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Steering10,163–31,352 mi22,000 mi38
ODI 11181286 · 50,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME HEAVY - NO LONGER SELF-CENTERING. THE CAR WOULD STILL GO WHERE I POINTED IT, BUT THE WHEEL WOULDN'T RETURN TO CENTER LIKE USUAL. IT FELT VERY STIFF. AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES, IT RETURNED TO NORMAL.

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ODI 11182758 · 24,800 mi

TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER ASSIST. FROM A STOP, THE ASSIST WILL FUNCTION CORRECTLY UNTIL 30MPH. FROM THEN ON, THERE WILL BE NO POWER ASSIST UNTIL COMING TO A FULL STOP. THE PATTERN REPEATS ITSELF FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, IT COULD TAKE DAYS OR MONTHS FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN. BMW STATES THEY "CAN NOT REPRODUCE". THIS SITUATION MAKES THE VEHICLE VERY UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS.

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ODI 11245653 · 20,000 mi

INTERMITTENTLY, THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT COME ON WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. STEERING IS HEAVY AND SLOW. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON GENERALLY CORRECTS THIS FAULT. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR. I DOCUMENTED BELOW APPROXIMATELY THE DATE OF THE FIRST EVENT.

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Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range13,872 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11138912 · 8,744 mi

REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED AT TAIL LIGHTS. 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. GLASS IS NOT REPLACEABLE, SO WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED. VERY POOR DESIGN AND WASTEFUL. AROUND 2000.00 TO FIX

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ODI 11539150 · 19,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard a whistling sound, and the roof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 19,000.

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Electrical System4,960–43,000 mi29,000 mi13
ODI 10659963 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

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ODI 10805744 · 4,960 mi

TWO ISSUES: 1. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH, WITH BATTERY POWER DRAINED, THE REX (RESERVE ENGINE) TURNS ON. SUDDENLY, SPEED DROPS FROM 65 MPH TO 40 MPH WHILE ON A 2-LANE CA FREEWAY, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO BE REAR-ENDED BY TRAFFIC. ONE MONTH LATER, SAME SITUATION, SAME PROBLEM. 2. MANUFACTURER STATES A COMBINED MILEAGE RANGE OF 80 MILES ON BATTERY, 60 MILES ON REX (RESERVE ENGINE), FOR A COMBINED RANGE OF 140 MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD MORE THAN 60 MILES ON BATTERY AND 40 MILES ON REX FOR A COMBINED MILEAGE OF 100 MILES, 40% LESS THAN BMW …

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ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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Power Train10,750–42,185 mi21,428 mi18
ODI 10781193 · 5,000 mi

THE BMW I3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE THAT COMES WITH A RANGE EXTENDER HAS A CRITICAL HAZARDOUS DESIGN FLAW. IT CANNOT CONSISTENTLY POWER THE VEHICLE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED WHEN DRIVING ON A MODERATE INCLINE FOR A REASONABLE PERIOD. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU MAY BE DRIVING ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY AND RUN OUT OF ELECTRIC CHARGE AND THE RANGE EXTENDER WILL KICK IN. EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL YOU APPROACH A HILLY AREA. AS THE CAR ASCENDS THE INCLINE IT STARTS TO REDUCE SPEED. SO BEFORE YOU WERE GOING THE SAME SAFE SPEED AS THE SURROUNDING TRAFFIC NOW YOU ST…

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ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 10872244 · 15,600 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR MADE SOME JERKY NOISE AND GOT THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE. DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" MESSAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SERVICE AND THEY NEVER FOUND ANY PROBLEM. NOW IN THE SPAN OF A DAY IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE, WAIT A MINUTE OR SO AND START AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH ALL BMW FORUMS AND FACEBOOK PAGES AND …

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Air Bags21,000–39,500 mi37,000 mi7
ODI 10692088 · 9,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND REMAINED STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

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ODI 10895727 · 13,000 mi

PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WOULD FAIL TO DETECT A PASSENGER AFTER DRIVE LASTING 20 MINUTES OR MORE. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THIS STATE BECAUSE NO FAULT CODES ARE REGISTERED IN THE SEAT SENSOR OR ANYWHERE ELSE. BMW CLAIMS THAT THIS CAUSED BY "CELL PHONE INTERFERENCE" AND IT "CAN NEVER BE FIXED" BUT HAS REPLACED MY SEAT SENSOR WITH A TOTALLY REDESIGNED SEAT SENSOR. NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN WHY THE "CELL PHONE INTERFERENCE" LINE WAS USED OR WHY THE SEAT SENSOR WAS REDESIGNED. I PRESUME MY CAR IS FIXED WITH THE NEW REDESIGNED MAT BUT OTHER…

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ODI 11399693 · 29,000 mi

THE WARNING MESSAGE (SHOWN IN THE PHOTO PROVIDED) APPEARED LAST NIGHT AROUND 8:00 PM.

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Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range5,800 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 11055105 · 29,000 mi

DECEMBER 6TH, 0650, I DROVE DOWN THE READY AVE NW IN FORT WALTON BEACH FL. I WAS DRIVING NORMAL - SPEED LIMIT 35 - WHEN I DROVE OVER A HUGE CUTOUT ON THE ROAD BECAUSE THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS, NO CONES - NOTHING. JUST A BIG HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. FRONT RIGHT TIRE GOT SEVERE DAMAGE FROM THAT CUTOUT ON A ROAD AND MY CAR NEEDED ALIGNMENT AFTER REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT.MY CHILD WAS IN A HOSPITAL AND I HAD TO GO COUPLE DAYS AFTER TO TAKE A PICTURE. THE CUTOUT WAS COVERED AND FILLED. I TOOK PICTURES OF EVIDENC…

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ODI 11031969 · 35 mi

I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY IN THE MORNING AT AROUND 9:15 AM PREPARING TO PARK BMW I3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN TO THE GARAGE. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS WAITING FOR THE GARAGE DOOR TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BUT NOTICE THAT BRAKE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, MEANING THERE WAS NO FEELING OF VEHICLE WAS IN A LOCK POSITION DUE TO THE BRAKE BEING PRESSURED ON THE WHEEL. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE WENT ACCELERATING OR "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION". THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR THAT WAS ONLY HALF WAY UP AND WAS STI…

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ODI 11019184 · 2,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OFF AND STARTED ON FIRE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. WE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER (BMW) BUT NO ONE HAS CALLED BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL.

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Engine13,261–47,500 mi22,300 mi10
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 10872244 · 15,600 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR MADE SOME JERKY NOISE AND GOT THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE. DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" MESSAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SERVICE AND THEY NEVER FOUND ANY PROBLEM. NOW IN THE SPAN OF A DAY IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE, WAIT A MINUTE OR SO AND START AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH ALL BMW FORUMS AND FACEBOOK PAGES AND …

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ODI 11254803 · 13,015 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN JUNE OF 2019. IN EARLY AUGUST, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS ACTIVATED. WHILE BRAKING, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HEARD A THUMPING SOUND AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATOR INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW SEATTLE (1002 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE MO…

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Vehicle Speed Control864–22,420 mi15,000 mi12
ODI 10876037 · 16,000 mi

I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A COMMERCIAL BUIDLING. I REMEMBER SLOWING DOWN AS I APPROACHED THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CAR SLOWED, IT SUDDENLY JERKED AND THEN ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO GO OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING HEADER AND COLLIDE INTO BUILDING EXTERIOR AND METAL GATE. THE CAR WAS IN SLOW SPEED AS I ENTERED THE SPACE. THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISED AS I COULD SEE MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. BY THE TIME I COULD APPLY THE BREAKS, THE CAR HAD ALREADY HIT THE BUILDING WHICH CAUSE THE CA…

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ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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ODI 10817494 · 985 mi

2015 BMW I3 WITH RANGE EXTENDER (REX) JUST HIT 1000 MILES. HAD FOR 6 WEEKS. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A FREEWAY AT 75 MPH USING MY ELECTRIC CAR. AS THE BATTERY WAS ALMOST OUT OF JUICE, I KNEW THE FUEL RANGE EXTENDER WOULD KICK IN. HOWEVER, WHEN THE EXTENDER KICKED IN, MY MPH IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO DROP. WITHIN THE 15 SECONDS, I WAS DOWN TO 35 MPH FROM THE 75 I WAS TRAVELING. I HAD THE ACCELERATOR FLOORED, BUT COULD NOT GET ANY POWER TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS TURNED ON. MY CAR AND I SAFELY NAVIGATED TO THE…

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

5 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-121None
ODI 11629361

The drivetrain system malfunctioned while increasing from 60 MPH to 70 MPH. The vehicle lost all propulsion mid-journey. This put myself as well as other drivers around me at risk while I coasted to a stop on the freeway. The vehicle's warning system stated: “Drivetrain Malfunction: Stop carefully and turn off engine. Do not continue driving. Call Roadside Assistance.” There are error codes that were considered by the manufacturer's nearest service center. And while certain reduction in efficiency of the High Voltage battery were identified, t…

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2025-011None
ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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2025-021None
ODI 11640459

Translucent protection coat on roof delaminated; pieces blown into air. Bare roof and some coat pieces available for inspection upon request (no inspection yet). Other BMW i3 owners have reported same issue. No prior indication of problem on vehicle itself.

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2025-032None
ODI 11646070

The roof has bubbled and peeled away leaving an exposed permeable roof, meaning if it rains, water will get into the car because of the roof material being not safe, not strong, peeling away. Just terrible! Looking online, so many people with i3s ha e all had the same issue!

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ODI 11646562 · 43,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 BMW I3. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic on a bridge, the vehicle stalled, and independently shifted to park(P). The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The Police arrived on the scene and directed traffic around the vehicle until a tow truck arrived to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) module had failed and short circuited the safety box inside of the high voltage battery and needed to be…

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2025-041None
ODI 11656031 · 40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

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2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-061None
ODI 11667003

The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.

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2025-075None
ODI 11673052

roof damage

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ODI 11673642

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

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ODI 11677072

Faulty airbag warning

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2025-081None
ODI 11680869

back in march 2025 my 2014 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. The car's propulsion died while driving. I was driving in the street on the way home from picking up my chidren from school when the power completely shut off while driving. I had a full battery charge and also had about 44 miles worth of gas to use. I pull over to the side of the road, turn the car off and tried to turn it back on but it wouldnt move. i was about 1 mile from home and was able to get the car towed home using AAA. The error code disappeared the nex…

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2025-093None
ODI 11684619

There was an electrical fault in the door handle, specifically for the comfort access function circuit inside the handle itself. There was smoke and extreme heat. Luckily no fire started, before the battery was disconnected. Our understanding is, this is a known problem with the circuit board having corrosion and creating a short, but no recall exists.

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ODI 11690344 · 32,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 BMW I3. The contact stated that there were discolored bubbles developing on the roof of the vehicle. The roof of the vehicle was delaminating. Upon further inspection, the contact found out that the hot climate and UV rays and the composite structure might be the factors causing the failure. The vehicle was taken to a body shop. The contact was informed that the carbon fiber used on the vehicle might have caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.…

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ODI 11690435 · 32,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wiper fluid failed to function as intended. The contact's husband checked the windshield wiper reservoir; the hose had rodent teeth marks, and part of the tubing was missing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the failure persisted. The contact's husband checked the reservoir and found that rodents had eaten the tubing again and had built a nest inside the…

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2025-103None
ODI 11695130

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.

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ODI 11692851

The carbon fiber roof is bubbling and disintegrating. I have one section behind the passenger door that is the size of my FULL hand that is in a circle shape where the roof is scaling and peeling. Each day that passes, the known spot is getting bigger and bigger. It's embarrassing to see this happening to my car and makes my care look worthless. Definite eye sore. I currently have the (1) i3 EV that is the family car, (2) M3's mine is a convertible and the other is my husbands, of course, (1) M1 my son's and (1) M235 I which is my daughters. …

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ODI 11695052

In early September, a "driver retention system" error appeared the dash display of my '19 i3. I searched the issue on line and tried but failed to resolve it. A few weeks later, the seat belt alarm stopped going off when the belt was clasped. At this point, I had no choice but bring it in for a fix. The dealer advised that there would be a $305 fee to diagnose the problem. They found a faulty belt buckle that failed in normal use. To fix it was going to cost another $805.22 to replace the buckle. I had no choice but to authorize this wor…

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2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-121None
ODI 11705719

Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column, resulting in loss of consciousness and a severe traumatic brain injury…

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2026-012None
ODI 11711282

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%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engage at all. This has occurred repeatedly and creates a serious risk of being stranded or hit while merging or driving on public roads. BMW has inspected …

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ODI 11713691

The roof is delaminating causing a danger to my vehicle and others

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2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-033None
ODI 11721513

BMW Service Bulletin SI B22 04 15 to replace motor mount bolts and other components due to failure in 2016 was done on my vehicle in 2016. BMW has replaced all motor mounts in 2014 and 2015 i3's in Europe. The motor mounts were redesigned for 2016 and newer models. From online forums I see that many of the 2014 and 2015 North American i3 motor mounts continue to fail as they have on my BMW i3. I am reporting this failure in order for NHTSA to review this vehicle for a recall on motor mounts for all 2014 and 2015 USA BMW i3's.

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ODI 11728191 · 154,140 mi

The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approxi…

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ODI 11727315

After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the improperly programmed 4G telematics unit. So BMW knows with 100% certainty this feature will not work on the car, and the car gives no advance warning in is inoperable. Yet they are still inf…

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2026-041None
ODI 11729647

We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions, including cleaning the adjuster area and checking for twisted straps, the problem persists. Evenflo recently closed our support case (#00609796) and sent a replacement seat, which suggests an acknowledgement of the problem. Before I retur…

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2026-053None
ODI 11737189

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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ODI 11741143

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.

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ODI 11737149

This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions…

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2026-063None
ODI 11743788

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. BMW technician found fault code 930904: Driver's airbag interval stage 1, resistance too high stored. BMW NA declined goodwill repair assistance despite the failure occurring within 20 days of warranty expiration. This is a safety-critical federally mandated system. Multiple BMW i3 owners in online communities report the same issue and reference TSB SI B65 18 16 as a known def…

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ODI 11746860

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.

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ODI 11745052

After reviewing BMW’s warranty documentation, I believe that the part replaced , specifically the evaporative emissions (EVAP) valve or purge valve AND vapor canister (active charcoal canister) , should be covered under the California Extended Emissions Warranty (TZEV) for my 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender. According to BMW’s 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 Extend…

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2026-073None
ODI 11749626

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 rest…

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ODI 11753562

The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.

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ODI 11751920

The car has lost power on the highway multiple times and gone into Limp mode with no warnings on the dashboard. The Rex engine has failed to start as well. Very dangerous on the highway going 20 mph trying to make the next exit. The car has been back to the BMW dealer multiple times (over 2.5 months at the dealer ) with no repair. They are now offering to take the car in trade. The car is still under the EV warranty in California. Seems they and BMW engineering don’t know how to repair the car and are now putting the burden on the consume…

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2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-092None
ODI 11761765

The roof of the BMW started delaminating a few years back, and it is compromising the structural integrity of this vehicle. In an attempt to fix the roof, epoxy was applied after it was smoothed down and the roof looked aesthetically pleasing for about a year, until it started delaminating rapidly in the same spots. Now, the roof liner is starting to collapse, telling me that moisture is getting into the vehicle, further damaging the roof.

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ODI 11764977

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 t…

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2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2018: 3 complaints · 2019: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2018013
2019124
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20181400
20191300

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSteeringStructure:BodyElectrical SystemPower TrainAir BagsUnknown Or OtherEngineVehicle Speed Control
Steering—00
2
ODI 11221298 · 10,000 mi

THERE IS RAPID ACCELERATION WHILE TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION GOING UP HILL. ANTILOCK BRAKES SLOW TO ENGAGE ON STEEP DECLINES AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THERE IS TOO MUCH POWER TO THE REAR WHEEL, THE CAR SKIDS ON PAINTED SURFACES SUCH AS CROSS WALKS AND PAINTED YIELD SIGNS ON ROAD SURFACES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP. THE WHEELS SPIN ON CROSSWALK PAINT. THE CAR HAS A BUILT IN GYROSCOPE AND PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN STARTING FROM A PARKED POSITION AFTER PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS ON A HILL. THE PULLING CONTINUES FOR…

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ODI 11737149

This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions…

Look up ODI 11737149 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11737149

This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions…

Look up ODI 11737149 at NHTSA ↗

0
Structure:Body0—
1
ODI 11684619

There was an electrical fault in the door handle, specifically for the comfort access function circuit inside the handle itself. There was smoke and extreme heat. Luckily no fire started, before the battery was disconnected. Our understanding is, this is a known problem with the circuit board having corrosion and creating a short, but no recall exists.

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00
1
ODI 11539515

The carbon fiber roof of my 2016 BMW i3 REx is really starting to bubble and wrinkle. After taking it to two shops any mitigation would cost hundreds of dollars to address. The roof is starting to peel and am worried about water getting to the car. BMW should have engineered these roofs differently. They should be responsible to cost associated with fixing them.

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1
ODI 11464379

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not startin…

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1
ODI 11464379

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not startin…

Look up ODI 11464379 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System0
1
ODI 11684619

There was an electrical fault in the door handle, specifically for the comfort access function circuit inside the handle itself. There was smoke and extreme heat. Luckily no fire started, before the battery was disconnected. Our understanding is, this is a known problem with the circuit board having corrosion and creating a short, but no recall exists.

Look up ODI 11684619 at NHTSA ↗

—
4
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 11711282

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%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engage at all. This has occurred repeatedly and creates a serious risk of being stranded or hit while merging or driving on public roads. BMW has inspected …

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ODI 11282837 · 47,300 mi

A DAY AFTER THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE. WHILE DRIVING ON I 95 WITH RANGE EXTENDER, NOTICED THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION ALERT WITH RAPID DECELERATION NEEDING TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER QUICKLY. BMW ASSIST TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALER, WHO SAID IT WAS LACK OF ELECTRIC CHARGE, PLUGGED THE CAR IN CHARGER AND GAVE IT TO ME TO HEAD BACK HOME TOWN. FEW DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM AGAIN RECURRED. NOW THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER IN HOME TOWN.

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3
ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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ODI 11539172

My bmw i3 has a faulty wiring harness or some other defect that is causing my car to turn off the airbag system. This is a chronic issue with bmw i3’s. Either the wiring harness is bad or the airbag becomes too stiff and the car deactivated the entire airbag system. Dangerous!

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ODI 11677072

Faulty airbag warning

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3
ODI 11471951

In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes the horn virtually useless in emergency situations. The horn switch fully activates... It is like there is some kind of processor involved that cannot p…

Look up ODI 11471951 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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ODI 11671462

We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us forward, but there was no car behind us. We were moving as though we had just started a drag race - full acceleration - and the brakes did not respond. We crashed into the car in front of us at full acceleration despite me pumping the brakes at least twi…

Look up ODI 11671462 at NHTSA ↗

6
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 10886033 · 7,580 mi

I TURNED ON THE CAR, OPENED THE GATE AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE LIGHTLY AND THE CAR FLEW OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIT THE GATE, FLEW OUT INTO THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR BRAKES NEVER WORKED. IT WAS AS IF THE GAS PEDDLE WAS STUCK AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR.

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ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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2
ODI 11464231

On May 2, 2022, the car began to power down involuntarily every time I applied the brakes. This happened 2-3 times, and I was able to restart. The final time was in the middle of an intersection, the car would not restart, could not be placed in neutral to be moved out of the intersection, and I had to have a police tow. The tow service took it to Sport Motoring, where they performed a diagnosis on May 3, 2022. The diagnosis shows 8 faults in the EME module, among other things. I located a recall (Recall #19V310000) for the 2018 i3 which detai…

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ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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Power Train
2
ODI 11221298 · 10,000 mi

THERE IS RAPID ACCELERATION WHILE TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION GOING UP HILL. ANTILOCK BRAKES SLOW TO ENGAGE ON STEEP DECLINES AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THERE IS TOO MUCH POWER TO THE REAR WHEEL, THE CAR SKIDS ON PAINTED SURFACES SUCH AS CROSS WALKS AND PAINTED YIELD SIGNS ON ROAD SURFACES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP. THE WHEELS SPIN ON CROSSWALK PAINT. THE CAR HAS A BUILT IN GYROSCOPE AND PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN STARTING FROM A PARKED POSITION AFTER PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS ON A HILL. THE PULLING CONTINUES FOR…

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ODI 11737149

This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions…

Look up ODI 11737149 at NHTSA ↗

0
4
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 11711282

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%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engage at all. This has occurred repeatedly and creates a serious risk of being stranded or hit while merging or driving on public roads. BMW has inspected …

Look up ODI 11711282 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11282837 · 47,300 mi

A DAY AFTER THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE. WHILE DRIVING ON I 95 WITH RANGE EXTENDER, NOTICED THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION ALERT WITH RAPID DECELERATION NEEDING TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER QUICKLY. BMW ASSIST TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALER, WHO SAID IT WAS LACK OF ELECTRIC CHARGE, PLUGGED THE CAR IN CHARGER AND GAVE IT TO ME TO HEAD BACK HOME TOWN. FEW DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM AGAIN RECURRED. NOW THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER IN HOME TOWN.

Look up ODI 11282837 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 11182276 · 9,600 mi

CAR STOPPED ALL OF SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY HEADS-UP. SIMPLY SAID CALL DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION PLEASE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE MOST SCARY PART IS THAT THE SUDDEN STOP

Look up ODI 11182276 at NHTSA ↗

7
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 10872244 · 15,600 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR MADE SOME JERKY NOISE AND GOT THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE. DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" MESSAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SERVICE AND THEY NEVER FOUND ANY PROBLEM. NOW IN THE SPAN OF A DAY IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE, WAIT A MINUTE OR SO AND START AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH ALL BMW FORUMS AND FACEBOOK PAGES AND …

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ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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5
ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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ODI 11737189

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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ODI 10946914 · 14,000 mi

OUR CAR WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP THE HILL DURING A RAINSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY IN CAMARILLO, CA. IT WENT FROM 65 DOWN TO 45. IT HAPPENED TO US TWICE ON THIS TRIP. WE WERE USING THE RANGE EXTENDER. WE HAVE VIDEOS THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER.

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Air Bags00
3
ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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ODI 11539172

My bmw i3 has a faulty wiring harness or some other defect that is causing my car to turn off the airbag system. This is a chronic issue with bmw i3’s. Either the wiring harness is bad or the airbag becomes too stiff and the car deactivated the entire airbag system. Dangerous!

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ODI 11677072

Faulty airbag warning

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0—
1
ODI 11404583

UNBELTED SMALL ADULT CAN INCREASE NECK INJURY. FRONT AIR BAG MUST BE UPDATED

Look up ODI 11404583 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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ODI 11656031 · 40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

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0
Unknown Or Other0
1
ODI 11539515

The carbon fiber roof of my 2016 BMW i3 REx is really starting to bubble and wrinkle. After taking it to two shops any mitigation would cost hundreds of dollars to address. The roof is starting to peel and am worried about water getting to the car. BMW should have engineered these roofs differently. They should be responsible to cost associated with fixing them.

Look up ODI 11539515 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 11471951

In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes the horn virtually useless in emergency situations. The horn switch fully activates... It is like there is some kind of processor involved that cannot p…

Look up ODI 11471951 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

Look up ODI 11638411 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11671462

We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us forward, but there was no car behind us. We were moving as though we had just started a drag race - full acceleration - and the brakes did not respond. We crashed into the car in front of us at full acceleration despite me pumping the brakes at least twi…

Look up ODI 11671462 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11182276 · 9,600 mi

CAR STOPPED ALL OF SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY HEADS-UP. SIMPLY SAID CALL DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION PLEASE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE MOST SCARY PART IS THAT THE SUDDEN STOP

Look up ODI 11182276 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11404583

UNBELTED SMALL ADULT CAN INCREASE NECK INJURY. FRONT AIR BAG MUST BE UPDATED

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1
ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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Engine
1
ODI 11737149

This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that "EME" had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions…

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1
ODI 11464379

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not startin…

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6
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 10886033 · 7,580 mi

I TURNED ON THE CAR, OPENED THE GATE AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE LIGHTLY AND THE CAR FLEW OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIT THE GATE, FLEW OUT INTO THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR BRAKES NEVER WORKED. IT WAS AS IF THE GAS PEDDLE WAS STUCK AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR.

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ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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7
ODI 10820163 · 6,500 mi

CHARGED MY CAR OVERNIGHT IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING TO RUN ERRANDS. TURNED IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, HEARD A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR AND THEN GOT A DRIVE TRAIN NOT AVAILABLE - DO NOT MOVE VEHICLE ERROR. COULDN'T EVEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL FOR TOWING - BMW ROADSIDE HAD TO SEND A TOW TRUCK WITH SKATES TO PROP UP THE BACK END AND PUSH IT OUT OF MY GARAGE. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALER ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW - THE LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE HAD CALLS WITH BMW BACK IN GERMANY AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS…

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ODI 10872244 · 15,600 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR MADE SOME JERKY NOISE AND GOT THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE. DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" MESSAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SERVICE AND THEY NEVER FOUND ANY PROBLEM. NOW IN THE SPAN OF A DAY IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE, WAIT A MINUTE OR SO AND START AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH ALL BMW FORUMS AND FACEBOOK PAGES AND …

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ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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2
ODI 11033750

2015 BMW I3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RANGE EXTENDER SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS AND 2 LIGHTWEIGHT TIRES THAT HAVE RUPTURED EASILY. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY LOSE IT'S CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

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ODI 11656031 · 40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

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0—
3
ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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ODI 11464379

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not startin…

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ODI 10946914 · 14,000 mi

OUR CAR WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP THE HILL DURING A RAINSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY IN CAMARILLO, CA. IT WENT FROM 65 DOWN TO 45. IT HAPPENED TO US TWICE ON THIS TRIP. WE WERE USING THE RANGE EXTENDER. WE HAVE VIDEOS THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER.

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Vehicle Speed Control0
1
ODI 11464379

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not startin…

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2
ODI 11464231

On May 2, 2022, the car began to power down involuntarily every time I applied the brakes. This happened 2-3 times, and I was able to restart. The final time was in the middle of an intersection, the car would not restart, could not be placed in neutral to be moved out of the intersection, and I had to have a police tow. The tow service took it to Sport Motoring, where they performed a diagnosis on May 3, 2022. The diagnosis shows 8 faults in the EME module, among other things. I located a recall (Recall #19V310000) for the 2018 i3 which detai…

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ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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5
ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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ODI 11737189

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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ODI 10946914 · 14,000 mi

OUR CAR WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP THE HILL DURING A RAINSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY IN CAMARILLO, CA. IT WENT FROM 65 DOWN TO 45. IT HAPPENED TO US TWICE ON THIS TRIP. WE WERE USING THE RANGE EXTENDER. WE HAVE VIDEOS THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER.

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0
1
ODI 11638411

The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no warning lights or indicators in the car that show if the range extender is going to turn on or if it will fail to turn on. This has happened four times…

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3
ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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ODI 11464379

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not startin…

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ODI 10946914 · 14,000 mi

OUR CAR WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP THE HILL DURING A RAINSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY IN CAMARILLO, CA. IT WENT FROM 65 DOWN TO 45. IT HAPPENED TO US TWICE ON THIS TRIP. WE WERE USING THE RANGE EXTENDER. WE HAVE VIDEOS THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER.

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Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

19 mentions · 8.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 28,500 mi (14 usable records).

ODI 11245653 · 20,000 mi

INTERMITTENTLY, THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT COME ON WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. STEERING IS HEAVY AND SLOW. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON GENERALLY CORRECTS THIS FAULT. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR. I DOCUMENTED BELOW APPROXIMATELY THE DATE OF THE FIRST EVENT.

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ODI 11256755 · 42,000 mi

WHILE PULLING ONTO THE ROAD MY CAR STARTED PULLING STRONGLY TOWARDS THE LEFT AND WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. IT HAD VERY HEAVY DIFFICULT STEERING. IT FELT ABSOLUTELY DIFFERENT THAN ANYTHING I'VE FELT IN THE TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND 'GOOGLED' I3 DIFFICULT STEERING AND CAME ACROSS MULTIPLE FORUM POSTS AND DISCUSSION OF THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS THE I3 POWER STEERING CAN RANDOMLY STOP WORKING AND THEN RETURNS WITH AN IGNITION CYCLE. I LOCKED THE CAR, WENT IN A STORE FOR 5 MINUTES, AND NORMAL STEERING RESUMED WHEN I DROVE AW…

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ODI 11156773 · 25,000 mi

TWICE THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. EACH TIME THE FEEDBACK TO POWER ASSIST "FLOATED" IN AN UNDETERMINED STATE. THE ABILITY TO FORCE A TURN (MAKE HARD TURNS) SEEMED TO ACTIVE THE POWER ASSIST AND WORKED AS EXPECTED. STRAIGHT DRIVING SEEMED TO CAUSED THE POWER ASSIST TO GO ON AN OFF AND WANDER OR VARY THE FORCE. IT WOULD SEEM TO ENGAGE POWER ASSIST WHEN STEERING WENT OFF CENTER. THE EFFECT WAS SIMILAR TO DRIVING IN RUTS. BOTH TIMES THE FAILURE CORRECTED ON POWER OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. POWER OFF FOR ONLY A MINUTE DIDN'…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

14 mentions · 6.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 41,500 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10659963 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

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ODI 11254803 · 13,015 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW I3. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN JUNE OF 2019. IN EARLY AUGUST, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS ACTIVATED. WHILE BRAKING, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HEARD A THUMPING SOUND AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATOR INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW SEATTLE (1002 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE MO…

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ODI 11338790 · 10 mi

SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS STEERING FEELS HARD TO TURN. SEEMS LIKE STEERING WANT TO REMAIN CENTERED OR OVERLY TURNS SUDDENLY AT LOW SPEED. VERY RANDOM. I LOOKED ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES STORED IN VEHICLE.

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

11 mentions · 5.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 26,900 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10781193 · 5,000 mi

THE BMW I3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE THAT COMES WITH A RANGE EXTENDER HAS A CRITICAL HAZARDOUS DESIGN FLAW. IT CANNOT CONSISTENTLY POWER THE VEHICLE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED WHEN DRIVING ON A MODERATE INCLINE FOR A REASONABLE PERIOD. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU MAY BE DRIVING ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY AND RUN OUT OF ELECTRIC CHARGE AND THE RANGE EXTENDER WILL KICK IN. EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL YOU APPROACH A HILLY AREA. AS THE CAR ASCENDS THE INCLINE IT STARTS TO REDUCE SPEED. SO BEFORE YOU WERE GOING THE SAME SAFE SPEED AS THE SURROUNDING TRAFFIC NOW YOU ST…

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ODI 11182758 · 24,800 mi

TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER ASSIST. FROM A STOP, THE ASSIST WILL FUNCTION CORRECTLY UNTIL 30MPH. FROM THEN ON, THERE WILL BE NO POWER ASSIST UNTIL COMING TO A FULL STOP. THE PATTERN REPEATS ITSELF FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, IT COULD TAKE DAYS OR MONTHS FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN. BMW STATES THEY "CAN NOT REPRODUCE". THIS SITUATION MAKES THE VEHICLE VERY UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS.

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ODI 11307955 · 31,719 mi

STEERING BECAME NOTCHY AND FELT LIKE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 25 MPH. IT ALSO FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT WHILE ON CITY STREETS DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT BMW OF LAS VEGAS. I READ ONLINE WHERE MANY OTHER I3 OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES. MANY HAVE REPORTED THAT THE ISSUE MAY BE SOFTWARE RELATED AND DIFFICULT TO REPRODUCE AS IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND SHUTTING OFF THE CAR CAN RESET IT GIVING A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS.

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 16,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10872244 · 15,600 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR MADE SOME JERKY NOISE AND GOT THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE. DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" MESSAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SERVICE AND THEY NEVER FOUND ANY PROBLEM. NOW IN THE SPAN OF A DAY IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE, WAIT A MINUTE OR SO AND START AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH ALL BMW FORUMS AND FACEBOOK PAGES AND …

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ODI 10876037 · 16,000 mi

I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A COMMERCIAL BUIDLING. I REMEMBER SLOWING DOWN AS I APPROACHED THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CAR SLOWED, IT SUDDENLY JERKED AND THEN ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO GO OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING HEADER AND COLLIDE INTO BUILDING EXTERIOR AND METAL GATE. THE CAR WAS IN SLOW SPEED AS I ENTERED THE SPACE. THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISED AS I COULD SEE MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. BY THE TIME I COULD APPLY THE BREAKS, THE CAR HAD ALREADY HIT THE BUILDING WHICH CAUSE THE CA…

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ODI 11350127 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. THE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR STATED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11329245 · 20,000 mi

ON A FREEWAY DRIVING AROUND 65MPH FRONT CAR CAME TO SUDDEN STOP SO APPLIED BRAKES AT FULL STRENGTH BUT CAR CONTINUED AT THE SAME SPEED FOR FEW SECONDS AND THEN BRAKES TOOK EFFECT BUT IT WAS TOO LATE BY THEN. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME SORT OF LAG BETWEEN WHEN BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AND ACTUALLY BREAKS GET APPLIED TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. ALL 4 TIRES ARE NEW AND SERVICING DONE 4 MONTHS BACK. *TR

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ODI 11671462

We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us forward, but there was no car behind us. We were moving as though we had just started a drag race - full acceleration - and the brakes did not respond. We crashed into the car in front of us at full acceleration despite me pumping the brakes at least twi…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b