The 2016 BMW i3 is associated with 33 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Structure & Body, accounting for 9 reports (27% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning all-electric and 0.6L 2-Cyl plug-in hybrid configurations. Plug-in hybrid variants are rated up to 117 MPGe (39 MPG on gasoline) with up to 72 miles of electric driving range. All-electric variants deliver up to 124 MPGe with an estimated range of 81 miles. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 33 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Structure & Body (9 / 27%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 3 crash / 0 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 124 MPGe (2 variants • PHEV up to 117 MPGe)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| i3 BEV 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 137 MPGe | 111 MPGe | 124 MPGe | 81 mi | $600 / yr |
| i3 REX Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 127 MPGe (41 MPG) | 107 MPGe (37 MPG) | 117 MPGe (39 MPG) | 72 mi EV (150 mi total) | $1,950 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2016 BMW i3 provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 81 miles on a single battery charge.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 5 HB RWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 BMW i3 models.
View complete 2016 BMW i3 crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 BMW i3 problems & component breakdown (13 categories) →
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2016 BMW i3 recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →