2015–2021 · 7 model years · 12 recalls
We don't rate the BMW i3 yet, because we don't have its sales figures. The 2017 has the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (75). Owners complain most about steering. Popular years get more complaints, so treat these counts as a guide to what goes wrong, not a ranking.
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, all years 2015–2021.
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 i3 | Not rated yet | 1 | 0 | 113 |
| 2020 i3 | Not rated yet | 0 | 0 | 113 |
| 2019 i3 | Not rated yet | 24 | 1 | 113 |
| 2018 i3 | Not rated yet | 17 | 3 | 118 |
| 2017 i3 | Not rated yet | 75 | 3 | 124 |
| 2016 i3 | Not rated yet | 41 | 2 | 124 |
| 2015 i3 | Not rated yet | 63 | 3 | 124 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Owners complain most about steering, body, glass & interior, electrical system.
The 2018, with 3 recalls on record with NHTSA.