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2015 BMW i3 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2015 BMW i3 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2015 BMW i3 has 62 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and air bags.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.4/ 10

Based on 62 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

15 24.2%

AIR BAGS

7 11.3%

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 11.3%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 9.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 9.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 24.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 18 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2015 BMW i3

The 2015 BMW i3 has 62 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 24% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2015 BMW i3 are STEERING (15), AIR BAGS (7), STRUCTURE:BODY (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 37 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2015 BMW i3?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2016 i3 complaints2014 i3 complaints2017 i3 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

STEERING

15 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 POSITION OF THE WHEEL WAS ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CAR TURN LEFT GRADUALLY. IT TOOK SOME FORCE BY HAND TO STEER AND KEEP THE WHEEL BACK TO THE REGULAR NEUTRAL POSITION. WHEN THE WHEEL WAS KEPT AT THE REGULAR NEUTRAL POSITION, THE CAR WAS ABLE TO GO STRAIGHT. HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT AGAIN AFTER HANDS WERE REMOVED FROM THE WHEEL. AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, THE STEERING WHEEL BEHAVED NORMALLY AGAIN, MEANING IT STAYED IN THE REGULAR NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN HANDS FREE, AND THE CAR WENT STRAIGHT. THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN THE SAME WEEK. THE NEXT WEEK THE OWNER SENT THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO TAKE A LOOK. THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS, DID A LOT OF RESEARCH INCLUDING STEERING/SUSPENSION AND ALSO EXTENSIVE TESTING, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. IN LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THE OWNER TOOK THE CAR BACK, THE ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE INTERESTING THING IS: THE OWNER GOT A 2018 I3 94AH REX LOANER CAR AND THE SIMILAR STEERING WHEEL ISSUE SHOWED UP WITH THE LOANER CAR AS WELL! TIMELINE: MARCH 2018: HAPPENED TWICE IN A WEEK 3/22: SERVICE #1 4/25: HAPPENED ONCE 4/28: SERVICE #2 5/8: SIMILAR ISSUE HAPPENED WITH THE LOANER CAR 2018 I3 94AH REX 6/10: HAPPENED ONCE 6/12: HAPPENED ONCE 7/18: SERVICE #3 8/2: HAPPENED ONCE MANY VIDEO CLIPS WERE TAKEN AT TIMES.

8/7/2018

WHILE DRIVING, STEERING BECAME HEAVY, NOTCHY. IT WOULD NOT CENTER ITSELF; FOR EXAMPLE, AROUND A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STAY IN THE DIRECTION I TURNED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS! IT SEEMS THERE IS A BUG IN THE SOFTWARE. BMW CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SEVERAL FORMS HAVE BEEN CREATED OVER THIS PROBLEM.

8/12/2018

13 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

11/15/2017

SEAT BELT TWIST INTO THE RE-TRACTOR BACK OF THE SEAT AND CANNOT BE UNTWISTED BECAUSE THE TWIST REMAINS BEHIND THE SEAT FROM THE FLOOR TO THE TOP OF THE SEAT. TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DENIES THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE CLAIMING SOMEONE MUST HAVE MESSED WITH THEM INSTALLING THEM BACKWARDS. I HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE TOO WITH THE SEAT MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THROWING AN ERROR MESSAGE WHERE THE AIRBAG WILL TURN OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT'S DO TO MOISTER AND REFUSES TO FIX IT UNLESS PAY 1500 DOLLARS. THIS COMPONENT IS FAULTY BUT THEY ARE BLAMING ME AND I DID NOT SPILL ANYTHING INTO THE SEAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD NOT FAIL SO EASILY EVEN IF THE SEAT WAS DAMP. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 1500 DOLLARS EVERY TIME SOMEONES BUTT SWEATS INTO MY SEAT? THAT'S RIDICULOUS. THE SENSOR WILL FAIL OVER BUMPS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT REGARDLESS OF SPEED. ONLY HEAVIER PASSENGERS OVER ABOUT 240 LBS TRIGGER THE ERROR.. IT WILL RESET ITSELF ONCE THE TRIP IS COMPLETED. BUT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP THE PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM THE AIRBAGS IN THE EVENT OF COLLISION.

6/22/2018

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

8/17/2023

The roof has delaminated and is causing leaks within the main cabin yes available for inspection upon request. The structural integrity of the roof is no longer intact and only getting worse. Yes. The problem has been presented to bmw to no avail. BMW does not provide any means to repair nor will acknowledge the issue. Original the roof material got one area of bubbling and within a month or so it had spread throughout the remainder of the roof.

8/18/2023

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 SIDE OF THE ROAD. THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS NOT A CAR FOLLOWING TO CLOSE OR A SEMI TRUCK. I WOULD BE DEAD OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THERE WAS. MY CONCERN, CONSUMERS ARE NOT BEING WARNED OF THIS ISSUE... HERE ARE A FEW MORE FACTS THAT ARE RELAVATN 1. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR THE FIRST TIMER HE RANGE EXTENDER KICKED IN. I WAS NOT DROPPED DOWN TO 30-35 MPH, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC JUST FINE 2.ON DECEMBER 29, 2015 II WAS TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY AT 75 MPH. THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINE. MY ELECTRIC HAD BEEN USED AND THE REX KICKED IN. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO DROP IN SPEED. I HAD THE ACCELERATOR PUSHED TO THE FLOOR IN HOPES OF GETTING THE CAR BACK UP TO A SAFE SPEED. HOWEVER, THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. I HAD TO NAVIGATE MY DYING CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN 75 MPH TRAFFIC. 3.IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE I3 TO THE BMW SERVICE PROVIDER. INSTRUCTED BY THE SERVICE DEPT THIS IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. ERROR MESSAGE OF 0056 DID NOT HAVE ANY DESCRIPTION ON IT. NOT SURE HOW THE TECHNICIAN KNEW THERE WAS NOT AN ISSUE 4.INSTRUCTED BY SERVICE DEPT TO GO BACK TO MY SALES PERSON TO BE RE-TRAINED ON MY CAR. WHY ISN'T THERE AN INDICATOR LIGHT WARNING THE DRIVER YOU WILL BE LOOSING SIGNIFICANT POWER AND SPEED. PULL OVER TO A SAFE MPH? CONCERNED FOR OTHER CONSUMERS....SOMEONE WILL NOT BE AS LUCKY AS I WAS

1/4/2016

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 COULD REAR END US. THE I3 ONLY HAS A CAMERA TO RUN THE ACC. IN OTHER CARS, THERE ARE BOTH CAMERAS AND RADAR. OUR 2011 MKX HAS AN INTELLIGENT CC AND IT NEVER CUTS OUT BECAUSE, I HAVE BEEN TOLD, IT USES RADAR. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL POSTS ON THE INTERNET WITH OTHER DRIVERS HAVING SIMILAR SUCH PROBLEMS - HERE IS ONE. HTTP://WWW.MYBMWI3.COM/FORUM/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?F=15&T=3059 OF COURSE, I CAN AVOID THIS PROBLEM BY NOT USING THE ACC, BUT IT IS ONE OF THE OPTIONS I WANTED AND PAID FOR ON THE I3. WE HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THANKFULLY, BUT PERHAPS OTHERS HAVE. OTHER THAN THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, THE I3 IS A SUPERB CAR.

3/1/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/9/2016

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.

7/20/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

4 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/15/2016

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.

1/23/2017

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

7/20/2016

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.

1/23/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/9/2016

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSOLE HAD A MESSAGE: "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION". I WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT COULD ACCELERATE AFTER THE MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NO WARNING, ONCE THE MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE CONSOLE THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE.

10/4/2020

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEAT BELT TWIST INTO THE RE-TRACTOR BACK OF THE SEAT AND CANNOT BE UNTWISTED BECAUSE THE TWIST REMAINS BEHIND THE SEAT FROM THE FLOOR TO THE TOP OF THE SEAT. TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DENIES THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE CLAIMING SOMEONE MUST HAVE MESSED WITH THEM INSTALLING THEM BACKWARDS. I HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE TOO WITH THE SEAT MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THROWING AN ERROR MESSAGE WHERE THE AIRBAG WILL TURN OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT'S DO TO MOISTER AND REFUSES TO FIX IT UNLESS PAY 1500 DOLLARS. THIS COMPONENT IS FAULTY BUT THEY ARE BLAMING ME AND I DID NOT SPILL ANYTHING INTO THE SEAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD NOT FAIL SO EASILY EVEN IF THE SEAT WAS DAMP. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 1500 DOLLARS EVERY TIME SOMEONES BUTT SWEATS INTO MY SEAT? THAT'S RIDICULOUS. THE SENSOR WILL FAIL OVER BUMPS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT REGARDLESS OF SPEED. ONLY HEAVIER PASSENGERS OVER ABOUT 240 LBS TRIGGER THE ERROR.. IT WILL RESET ITSELF ONCE THE TRIP IS COMPLETED. BUT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP THE PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM THE AIRBAGS IN THE EVENT OF COLLISION.

6/22/2018

SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. SEAT BELT JUST HANGS THERE.

1/28/2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The composite roof is blistering and beginning to delaminate.

8/18/2023

roof damage

7/12/2025

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 SIDE OF THE ROAD. THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS NOT A CAR FOLLOWING TO CLOSE OR A SEMI TRUCK. I WOULD BE DEAD OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THERE WAS. MY CONCERN, CONSUMERS ARE NOT BEING WARNED OF THIS ISSUE... HERE ARE A FEW MORE FACTS THAT ARE RELAVATN 1. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR THE FIRST TIMER HE RANGE EXTENDER KICKED IN. I WAS NOT DROPPED DOWN TO 30-35 MPH, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC JUST FINE 2.ON DECEMBER 29, 2015 II WAS TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY AT 75 MPH. THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINE. MY ELECTRIC HAD BEEN USED AND THE REX KICKED IN. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO DROP IN SPEED. I HAD THE ACCELERATOR PUSHED TO THE FLOOR IN HOPES OF GETTING THE CAR BACK UP TO A SAFE SPEED. HOWEVER, THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. I HAD TO NAVIGATE MY DYING CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN 75 MPH TRAFFIC. 3.IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE I3 TO THE BMW SERVICE PROVIDER. INSTRUCTED BY THE SERVICE DEPT THIS IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. ERROR MESSAGE OF 0056 DID NOT HAVE ANY DESCRIPTION ON IT. NOT SURE HOW THE TECHNICIAN KNEW THERE WAS NOT AN ISSUE 4.INSTRUCTED BY SERVICE DEPT TO GO BACK TO MY SALES PERSON TO BE RE-TRAINED ON MY CAR. WHY ISN'T THERE AN INDICATOR LIGHT WARNING THE DRIVER YOU WILL BE LOOSING SIGNIFICANT POWER AND SPEED. PULL OVER TO A SAFE MPH? CONCERNED FOR OTHER CONSUMERS....SOMEONE WILL NOT BE AS LUCKY AS I WAS

1/4/2016

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/20/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

11/15/2017

TIRES

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

11/15/2017

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SEAT BELT TWIST INTO THE RE-TRACTOR BACK OF THE SEAT AND CANNOT BE UNTWISTED BECAUSE THE TWIST REMAINS BEHIND THE SEAT FROM THE FLOOR TO THE TOP OF THE SEAT. TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DENIES THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE CLAIMING SOMEONE MUST HAVE MESSED WITH THEM INSTALLING THEM BACKWARDS. I HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE TOO WITH THE SEAT MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THROWING AN ERROR MESSAGE WHERE THE AIRBAG WILL TURN OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT'S DO TO MOISTER AND REFUSES TO FIX IT UNLESS PAY 1500 DOLLARS. THIS COMPONENT IS FAULTY BUT THEY ARE BLAMING ME AND I DID NOT SPILL ANYTHING INTO THE SEAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD NOT FAIL SO EASILY EVEN IF THE SEAT WAS DAMP. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 1500 DOLLARS EVERY TIME SOMEONES BUTT SWEATS INTO MY SEAT? THAT'S RIDICULOUS. THE SENSOR WILL FAIL OVER BUMPS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT REGARDLESS OF SPEED. ONLY HEAVIER PASSENGERS OVER ABOUT 240 LBS TRIGGER THE ERROR.. IT WILL RESET ITSELF ONCE THE TRIP IS COMPLETED. BUT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP THE PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM THE AIRBAGS IN THE EVENT OF COLLISION.

6/22/2018

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SEAT BELT TWIST INTO THE RE-TRACTOR BACK OF THE SEAT AND CANNOT BE UNTWISTED BECAUSE THE TWIST REMAINS BEHIND THE SEAT FROM THE FLOOR TO THE TOP OF THE SEAT. TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DENIES THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE CLAIMING SOMEONE MUST HAVE MESSED WITH THEM INSTALLING THEM BACKWARDS. I HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE TOO WITH THE SEAT MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THROWING AN ERROR MESSAGE WHERE THE AIRBAG WILL TURN OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT'S DO TO MOISTER AND REFUSES TO FIX IT UNLESS PAY 1500 DOLLARS. THIS COMPONENT IS FAULTY BUT THEY ARE BLAMING ME AND I DID NOT SPILL ANYTHING INTO THE SEAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD NOT FAIL SO EASILY EVEN IF THE SEAT WAS DAMP. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 1500 DOLLARS EVERY TIME SOMEONES BUTT SWEATS INTO MY SEAT? THAT'S RIDICULOUS. THE SENSOR WILL FAIL OVER BUMPS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT REGARDLESS OF SPEED. ONLY HEAVIER PASSENGERS OVER ABOUT 240 LBS TRIGGER THE ERROR.. IT WILL RESET ITSELF ONCE THE TRIP IS COMPLETED. BUT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP THE PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM THE AIRBAGS IN THE EVENT OF COLLISION.

6/22/2018

SEATS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SEAT BELT TWIST INTO THE RE-TRACTOR BACK OF THE SEAT AND CANNOT BE UNTWISTED BECAUSE THE TWIST REMAINS BEHIND THE SEAT FROM THE FLOOR TO THE TOP OF THE SEAT. TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DENIES THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE CLAIMING SOMEONE MUST HAVE MESSED WITH THEM INSTALLING THEM BACKWARDS. I HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE TOO WITH THE SEAT MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THROWING AN ERROR MESSAGE WHERE THE AIRBAG WILL TURN OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT'S DO TO MOISTER AND REFUSES TO FIX IT UNLESS PAY 1500 DOLLARS. THIS COMPONENT IS FAULTY BUT THEY ARE BLAMING ME AND I DID NOT SPILL ANYTHING INTO THE SEAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD NOT FAIL SO EASILY EVEN IF THE SEAT WAS DAMP. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 1500 DOLLARS EVERY TIME SOMEONES BUTT SWEATS INTO MY SEAT? THAT'S RIDICULOUS. THE SENSOR WILL FAIL OVER BUMPS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT REGARDLESS OF SPEED. ONLY HEAVIER PASSENGERS OVER ABOUT 240 LBS TRIGGER THE ERROR.. IT WILL RESET ITSELF ONCE THE TRIP IS COMPLETED. BUT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP THE PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM THE AIRBAGS IN THE EVENT OF COLLISION.

6/22/2018

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR:MODULE (ACCM)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the particles were blowing out of the vents while activating the A/C or the heater. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer who diagnosed and determined that a component of the A/C system that cooled the electric hybrid battery needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the repair needed to be completed due to the risk of the battery overheating and catching on fire. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the contact was afraid of driving the vehicle. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact was advised that this was normal wear and tear of the hybrid battery system. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

10/19/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2015 BMW i3?

The most reported complaint category for the 2015 BMW i3 is STEERING, with 15 owner reports. That is about 24% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY.

Are complaints about the 2015 BMW i3 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 37 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2015 BMW i3?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2015 BMW i3 severe?

37 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

BMW i3: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
62
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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