Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2017 Bmw I3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

52 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

10,650 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2017 model year. Data updated: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 52 complaints (21.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior1121.2%
Electrical and battery issues47.7%
Transmission and shifting23.8%
Braking behavior23.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
11
Unknown Or Other
11
Structure:Body
10
Electrical System
7
Power Train
6
Air Bags
3
Fuel/Propulsion System
3
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering11
Unknown Or Other11
Structure:Body10
Electrical System7
Power Train6
Air Bags3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars3

Steering: 11; Unknown Or Other: 11; Structure:Body: 10; Electrical System: 7; Power Train: 6; Air Bags: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
15
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00015
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 15; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 31 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2017
4
2018
1
2019
11
2020
3
2021
4
2022
2
2023
5
2024
8
2025
7
2026
7
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20174
20181
201911
20203
20214
20222
20235
20248
20257
20267

2017: 4; 2018: 1; 2019: 11; 2020: 3; 2021: 4; 2022: 2; 2023: 5; 2024: 8; 2025: 7; 2026: 7

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10956779 · 2017-02-24 (February 24, 2017)

BMW LEASED ME AN I3 AFTER THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE IT HAD BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE ATTACHED AN INTERNAL BMW MEMO WHERE NOTICE WAS PROVIDED TO THEIR STAFF NOT TO LEASE THE CAR AND MY LEASE OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEMO.

Owner-reported narrative. 13 miles reported. Look up ODI 10956779 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10969462 · 2017-03-30 (March 30, 2017)

THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IS IRREGULAR, WHICH CAUSES EXTREME DISTORTION OF THE VIEW. DRIVING IS DANGEROUS AS THE DISTORTION CAUSES DIZZINESS. THE IMAGES I SEE ARE SEVERELY DISTORTED WITH THE CAR STOPPED OR IN MOTION BUT IT GETS WORSE WHEN MY CAR AND THE CAR AHEAD ARE IN MOTION AS BOTH THE ROAD AND THE CAR AHEAD ARE SHOWING VARIOUS DISTORTIONS AS THEY MOVE. THE BRAIN CAPTURES THESE DISTORTIONS WHICH ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FOR EACH EYE AND THAT IS CAUSING THE DIZZINESS AND DANGER. THE CAR HAS JUST 400 MILES AND DRIVING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS IS HAZARD…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10969462 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10969709 · 2017-03-31 (March 31, 2017)

RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM SNAPPED (STEEL FRACTURED) UNEXPECTEDLY. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR ROAD DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, AND THE FRACTURE OCCURRED AFTER GENTLY ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, AND ALIGNMENT WENT WAY OUT

Owner-reported narrative. 4,025 miles reported. Look up ODI 10969709 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11019184 · 2017-08-23 (August 23, 2017)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11019184 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11067161 · 2018-02-05 (February 5, 2018)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11067161 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11174542 · 2019-02-05 (February 5, 2019)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 1 miles reported. Look up ODI 11174542 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11182276 · 2019-02-25 (February 25, 2019)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 9,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11182276 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11182515 · 2019-02-26 (February 26, 2019)

STEERING INTERMITTENTLY BECOMES HEAVY, MAKING VEHICLE HARDER TO CONTROL. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN CLEARS THE PROBLEM. IT'S HARD TO DESCRIBE THE FEELING OF THE STEERING: YOU ARE ABLE TO TURN BUT IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO PREVENT YOU FROM TURNING THE WHEEL. THE PROBLEM SEEMS SOFTWARE-RELATED RATHER THAN A PHYSICAL FAILURE SINCE NOT ONLY IS IT INTERMITTENT, BUT IT IS INCONSISTENT. AT ONE INTERSECTION THE STEERING MAY BE NORMAL TURNING LEFT BUT HEAVY TURNING RIGHT AND THE SITUATION MAY BE REVERSED A MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE N…

Owner-reported narrative. 28,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11182515 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

16V914000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2016-12-20 (December 20, 2016)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

Consequence: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V088000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2017-02-09 (February 9, 2017)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.

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

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V720000 · Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2017-11-16 (November 16, 2017)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

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

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

52 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

40.4%Usable mileage21 / 52 records
100.0%Valid incident date52 / 52 records
100.0%Valid filing date52 / 52 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates52 / 52 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 …

Look up ODI 11234935 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Look up ODI 11067161 at NHTSA ↗

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…

Look up ODI 11365847 at NHTSA ↗

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…

Look up ODI 11629361 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Look up ODI 10692088 at NHTSA ↗

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

Look up ODI 11033750 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Look up ODI 11439937 at NHTSA ↗

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…

Look up ODI 11055105 at NHTSA ↗

24.3%
ODI 11539353

The composite roof is blistering and beginning to delaminate.

Look up ODI 11539353 at NHTSA ↗

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.

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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…

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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
Steering9,535–19,250 mi12,208 mi10
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

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ODI 11182515 · 28,500 mi

STEERING INTERMITTENTLY BECOMES HEAVY, MAKING VEHICLE HARDER TO CONTROL. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN CLEARS THE PROBLEM. IT'S HARD TO DESCRIBE THE FEELING OF THE STEERING: YOU ARE ABLE TO TURN BUT IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO PREVENT YOU FROM TURNING THE WHEEL. THE PROBLEM SEEMS SOFTWARE-RELATED RATHER THAN A PHYSICAL FAILURE SINCE NOT ONLY IS IT INTERMITTENT, BUT IT IS INCONSISTENT. AT ONE INTERSECTION THE STEERING MAY BE NORMAL TURNING LEFT BUT HEAVY TURNING RIGHT AND THE SITUATION MAY BE REVERSED A MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE N…

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ODI 11185433 · 9,380 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT, STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT. I FELT RESISTANCE AND I CLEARLY NEEDED BOTH HANDS TO TURN THE WHEEL.

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Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range5,800 mi2 (sparse)
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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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

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range29,712 mi3 (sparse)
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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ODI 11258342 · 29,712 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY'S HOV LANE (FULLY CHARGED, NOT ON THE EXTENDED RANGE), THE CAR GAVE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" AND THE PROPULSION DIED SHORTLY AFTER.

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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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Power TrainToo few reports for a range18,340 mi4 (sparse)
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

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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 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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Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range29,712 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10956779 · 13 mi

BMW LEASED ME AN I3 AFTER THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE IT HAD BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE ATTACHED AN INTERNAL BMW MEMO WHERE NOTICE WAS PROVIDED TO THEIR STAFF NOT TO LEASE THE CAR AND MY LEASE OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEMO.

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ODI 11258342 · 29,712 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY'S HOV LANE (FULLY CHARGED, NOT ON THE EXTENDED RANGE), THE CAR GAVE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" AND THE PROPULSION DIED SHORTLY AFTER.

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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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Structure:Body:Roof And PillarsToo few reports for a range32,000 mi1 (sparse)
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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Complaint and recall timeline

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

3 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.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

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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2025-071None
ODI 11673269

Carbon fiber Roof delaminate and risk of flying off

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2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

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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2025-101None
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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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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2026-011None
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.

2026-031None
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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2026-051None
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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2026-061None
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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2026-071None
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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2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-091None
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
ComponentSteeringUnknown Or OtherStructure:BodyElectrical SystemPower TrainAir BagsFuel/Propulsion SystemStructure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Steering—000
1
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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000
Unknown Or Other0—0
1
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 ↗

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 ↗

000
Structure:Body00—
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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000
1
ODI 11566499

Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.

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Electrical System0
1
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 ↗

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 ↗

—
1
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
2
ODI 11258342 · 29,712 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY'S HOV LANE (FULLY CHARGED, NOT ON THE EXTENDED RANGE), THE CAR GAVE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" AND THE PROPULSION DIED SHORTLY AFTER.

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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.

Look up ODI 11282837 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train
1
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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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 ↗

0
1
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 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
Air Bags00000—00
Fuel/Propulsion System000
2
ODI 11258342 · 29,712 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY'S HOV LANE (FULLY CHARGED, NOT ON THE EXTENDED RANGE), THE CAR GAVE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" AND THE PROPULSION DIED SHORTLY AFTER.

Look up ODI 11258342 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 ↗

1
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—0
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars00
1
ODI 11566499

Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.

Look up ODI 11566499 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 5.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 10,501 mi (2 usable records).

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

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ODI 11310435 · 21,000 mi

AFTER DRIVING SHORT DISTANCE ON A CITY STREET, SUDDENLY CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT SIDE, THE STEERING BECAME VERY HEAVY ( IT FEELS LIKE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING).

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ODI 11431762

I had just turned on the car a few minutes prior to the incident and I was approaching an intersection to turn left onto a 2-lane highway. As I made the left turn, the steering felt wrong like the car was over then under steering. I was able to straighten out, and I felt like the power steering had failed. A quarter mile down the road, I turned left into a gas station, and I could feel the heaviness of the steering. It felt exactly like if the power steering was deactivated. I came to a stop, turn off fans, rolled the window down, and turn…

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

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11436391

The car turned off while driving and presented a "drivetrain" error message. The car lost power but I was able to safely steer to the side of the road. Car was taken to BMW dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. Was informed that the EME (Electric Motor Electronics) Module was bad and would need to be replaced. The car is 5 years old and has 31,700 miles and has never been in an accident. The estimate to replace the EME was $7,000

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 14,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11408397 · 14,000 mi

ROADS WERE CLEAR BUT EDGES SLUSHY. TEMP WAS 27 DEGREES.DROVE 2 MILES AT 40ISH MPH TO STARBUCKS, GOT COFFEE. NORMAL REAR WHEEL DRIVE TRACTION ISSUES WHEN CHANGING LANES, ETC. I WAS DRIVING CAREFULLY AND ABOUT 5 MPH UNDER WHAT EVERYONE ELSE WAS DOING. ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM THE COFFEE DRIVE THROUGH, I CHANGED LANES (RIGHT TO LEFT) OVER A PILE OF SLUSH...NORMAL MILD TRACTION ISSUES. WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND HAD "RECOVERED" WHEN SUDDENLY MORE YELLOW TRACTION WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON (ONE ON DRIVERS CONTROL PANEL, ONE ON THE INFO PANEL)...READIN…

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