The 2018 BMW i3 is associated with 14 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Steering, accounting for 3 reports (21% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning all-electric and 0.6L 2-Cyl plug-in hybrid configurations. Plug-in hybrid variants are rated up to 109 MPGe (35 MPG on gasoline) with up to 97 miles of electric driving range. All-electric variants deliver up to 118 MPGe with an estimated range of 114 miles. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 14 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Steering (3 / 21%)
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 118 MPGe (4 variants • PHEV up to 109 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 (94Ah) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 129 MPGe | 106 MPGe | 118 MPGe | 114 mi | $650 / yr |
| i3s (94Ah) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 126 MPGe | 99 MPGe | 112 MPGe | 107 mi | $650 / yr |
| i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 117 MPGe (36 MPG) | 101 MPGe (33 MPG) | 109 MPGe (35 MPG) | 97 mi EV (180 mi total) | $2,150 / yr |
| i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 117 MPGe (36 MPG) | 101 MPGe (33 MPG) | 109 MPGe (35 MPG) | 97 mi EV (180 mi total) | $2,150 / 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 2018 BMW i3 provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 114 miles on a single battery charge.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| BEV 5 HB RWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 BMW i3 models.
View complete 2018 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 2018 BMW i3 problems & component breakdown (9 categories) →
Affected Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Defect Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Affected Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Defect Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
View all 2018 BMW i3 recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →