BMW i3: which model years draw the most owner complaints?
215 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW i3, model years 2014 to 2021. No model year stands out for the engine or transmission against the others. Counts of unverified owner reports, compared only with other years of the same model; not failure rates.
Complaints by model year
| MODEL YEAR | COMPLAINTS | VS OTHER YEARS | STANDS OUT | RECALLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 i3FEW REPORTS | 54 | — | 4 | |
| 2015 i3FEW REPORTS | 47 | — | 3 | |
| 2016 i3FEW REPORTS | 33 | — | 2 | |
| 2017 i3FEW REPORTS | 53 | — | 3 | |
| 2018 i3FEW REPORTS | 14 | — | 3 | |
| 2019 i3FEW REPORTS | 13 | — | 1 | |
| 2021 i3FEW REPORTS | 1 | — | 0 |
"Stands out" = 40 or more complaints naming that system and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share seen across every vehicle of that model year. Newer years have had less time on the road. "Quiet" ranks only years with 7+ years on the road and 20+ complaints. NHTSA data through November 2026.
Check your i3 at your mileage
The verdict depends on where your mileage sits against the mileages owners reported. Pick your year and mileage: free, no sign-up.
Other BMW models
BMW 128i · BMW 135i · BMW 3 Series · BMW 320i · BMW 323i · BMW 325ci · BMW 325i · BMW 325xi · BMW 328d · BMW 328i · BMW 328xi · BMW 330ci · BMW 330i · BMW 330xi · BMW 335i · BMW 335xi · BMW 428i · BMW 5 Series · BMW 525i · BMW 528i · BMW 528xi · BMW 530i · BMW 530xi · BMW 535i · BMW 540i · BMW 550i · BMW 750Li · BMW 750i · BMW K1200LT · BMW M3 · BMW R1200 GS · BMW R1200 RT · BMW X1 · BMW X3 · BMW X5 · BMW X6 · BMW X7 · BMW Z4. All makes and models.
Source: NHTSA public complaints, recalls, service bulletin and investigation databases, data received through November 2026. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not failure rates: sales volumes are unknown, so a model year is only compared with other years of the same model. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Year pages: