2017 BMW I3

52 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Jan 16, 2026Hollywood, FLBody

   My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended warranty and they did not want to cover anything. They said this was normal wear and tear and they would not help me. From my understanding this is a much larger issue with all i3 models. I am also having a very hard time finding a body shop that will fix this for me. I have contacted several and they either don't know how to do it, or refuse to do it in fear that they might do it wrong. I am now considering contacting a a boat repair shop, but that might be very costly. I think the company is at fault and needs to figure out a solution. I take good care of my car and this is the only major issue I've ever had with it.

   NHTSA complaint 11764977
2. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Jul 29, 2026Oakland, CABody

   The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.

   NHTSA complaint 11753562
3. Filed Jun 27, 2026Failure May 30, 2026Roosevelt, NJRoof and pillars

   On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has to be replaced and it is costly.

   NHTSA complaint 11746860
4. Filed May 31, 2026Failure May 30, 2026roosevelt, NJBody

   I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a windshield. When I stopped, I saw more sheets hanging loose from the roof and I peeled off what I could. I think this is dangerous and understand it is common on BMW i3s (which are made of carbon fiber) and other BMW cars.

   NHTSA complaint 11741143
5. Filed Apr 7, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2025Rochester, NYChest clip, Buckle, Harness, Other/i am not sure

   We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions—including cleaning the adjuster area and checking for twisted straps—the problem persists. Evenflo recently closed our support case (#00609796) and sent a replacement seat, which suggests an acknowledgement of the problem. Before I return the impacted seat (as Evenflo Requested), I wanted to reach out here promptly. I am particularly concerned because this appears to be a systemic issue. I would like to include this Reddit thread of other parents experiencing the same harness strap issue: Reddit Discussion: Evenflo 360 straps hard to tighten and loosen https://www.reddit.com/r/CPST/comments/1pzus73/evenflo_360straps_hard_to_tighten_and_loosen/ A cursory look at this Reddit thread shows at least 10 separate people with this same issue. I have documented interactions with Evenflo Parentlink via email and have photos attached and video link here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ogbu8VN-45InQIfCxfnLJaeGgvzcRcRg/view?usp=sharing Thanks Matt Figler (914) 715-8954

   NHTSA complaint 11729647
6. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Mar 23, 2026Saint Louis, MOUnknown or other

   After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the improperly programmed 4G telematics unit. So BMW knows with 100% certainty this feature will not work on the car, and the car gives no advance warning in is inoperable. Yet they are still informing me in the portal that it is active. I feel if the system is inoperable without any warning, a service bulletin without a recall is not enough. How would I have known of this issue if I didn't test it myself?

   NHTSA complaint 11727315
7. Filed Jan 27, 2026Failure Dec 18, 2025Winter Springs, FLBody

   The roof is delaminating causing a danger to my vehicle and others

   NHTSA complaint 11713691
8. Filed Dec 17, 2025Failure Sep 30, 2025Albuquerque, NMAir bags, Seat beltsCrash2 injured

   Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column, resulting in loss of consciousness and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with ongoing neurological issues. Only the driver’s curtain and seat airbags deployed; the steering wheel and passenger frontal airbags did not. Seatbelt Failure Analysis Seatbelts in modern vehicles like the BMW i3 include retractors and pretensioners designed to lock and tighten upon impact detection via accelerometers. Excessive slack, as described, suggests a malfunction in the pretensioner system, which failed to eliminate belt looseness during the high-G force event. This allowed forward momentum to propel the occupant, exacerbating injuries. Common issues in BMW i3 models include seatbelt twisting and retractor malfunctions, as reported in owner forums and repair services. Pretensioner failures can stem from sensor errors, mechanical wear, or manufacturing defects. In this crash’s severity, proper function should have secured the occupant, preventing ejection and secondary impacts. Airbag Failure Analysis The BMW employs a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with frontal, side, curtain, and seat airbags, triggered by crash sensors evaluating impact direction and force. Non-deployment of the passenger frontal and steering wheel airbags in a near-head-on collision indicates potential system failure. Possible causes include faulty occupant classification system (OCS) mats that misdetect presence/weight, leading to deactivation; sensor malfunctions; or wiring issues. A 2017 NHTSA recall (17V-720).

   NHTSA complaint 11705719
9. Filed Oct 11, 2025Failure Mar 1, 2025Simi Valley, CABody

   The carbon fiber roof is bubbling and disintegrating. I have one section behind the passenger door that is the size of my FULL hand that is in a circle shape where the roof is scaling and peeling. Each day that passes, the known spot is getting bigger and bigger. It's embarrassing to see this happening to my car and makes my care look worthless. Definite eye sore. I currently have the (1) i3 EV that is the family car, (2) M3's mine is a convertible and the other is my husbands, of course, (1) M1 my son's and (1) M235 I which is my daughters. We are definitely a BMW family. Shame on BMW if they do not cover this.

   NHTSA complaint 11692851
10. Filed Sep 29, 2025Failure Feb 10, 202232,000 milesEl Cajon, CAWindshield wiper/washer

    The contact owns a 2017 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wiper fluid failed to function as intended. The contact's husband checked the windshield wiper reservoir; the hose had rodent teeth marks, and part of the tubing was missing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the failure persisted. The contact's husband checked the reservoir and found that rodents had eaten the tubing again and had built a nest inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's husband repaired the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the contact found out that the manufacturer had added soy to all the plastic tubing in the vehicle, which was an attractant to the rodents. The failure persisted. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11690435
11. Filed Sep 29, 2025Failure Jan 14, 202132,000 milesThe Woodlands, TXRoof and pillars

    The contact owns a 2017 BMW I3. The contact stated that there were discolored bubbles developing on the roof of the vehicle. The roof of the vehicle was delaminating. Upon further inspection, the contact found out that the hot climate and UV rays and the composite structure might be the factors causing the failure. The vehicle was taken to a body shop. The contact was informed that the carbon fiber used on the vehicle might have caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11690344
12. Filed Sep 2, 2025Failure Sep 2, 2025Houston, TXElectrical system, Body

    There was an electrical fault in the door handle, specifically for the comfort access function circuit inside the handle itself. There was smoke and extreme heat. Luckily no fire started, before the battery was disconnected. Our understanding is, this is a known problem with the circuit board having corrosion and creating a short, but no recall exists.

    NHTSA complaint 11684619
13. Filed Jul 14, 2025Failure Feb 1, 2025Santa ana, CABody

    Carbon fiber Roof delaminate and risk of flying off

    NHTSA complaint 11673269
14. Filed Jun 15, 2025Failure Jun 12, 2025Corona, CAUnknown or other

    The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.

    NHTSA complaint 11667003
15. Filed Jul 25, 2024Failure Feb 2, 2023Miami, FLUnknown or other

    This has happened twice: I was driving on the expressway and didn’t hear anything hitting my little sunroof, just suddenly noise from that general area. When I pulled over I saw that the sunroof had cracked and the largest part(s) was missing.

    NHTSA complaint 11604436
16. Filed Jul 13, 2024Failure Jul 13, 2024Simi Valley, CAUnknown or other

    Pieces of my roof flew off.

    NHTSA complaint 11601834
17. Filed Jun 4, 2024Failure Jun 4, 2024Point Roberts, WAPower train

    The vehicle has just over 35000 miles of light normal use as a second family vehicle. It developed a loud grinding noise from the etransmission that quickly progressed to a vibration. It was taken to BMW Seattle where it was diagnosed as a known issue of the main transmission bearings disintegrating due to the effect of the permanent magnet motors on the metal roller bearings. The bearings were quietly modified by BMW for the 2019 model year due to this in an effort to mitigate the problem and subsequently BMW abandoned the permanent magnet motor technology due to this . This information was from the various BMW service advisors. The repair is quoted as $7400 to replece the entire e transmission to the new design. If unrepaired there is a " significant risk the transmission will jam at highway speed causing a loss of control due to rear wheel lockup". Calls to BMW NA about this issue were replied with "BMW is unwilling to assist the customer with this issue." It is unconscionable that a vehicle with 35000m and a 4 year 50 000m warranty would have its transmission disintegrate with the potential of a catastrophic accident under light use due to a known manufacturer defect and BMW would not even attempt to assist their customers when they have the rectification available.

    NHTSA complaint 11592432
18. Filed May 11, 2024Failure Jan 23, 2024New Berlin, WIUnknown or otherFire

    A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was onsite a couple of minutes after the car started smoking. It took 4 fire departments approximately 2 hours to extinguish this fire. A car should not be designed in a way in which an oil cap can cause the complete destruction of a home that quickly putting people’s lives at risk. The car was picked up by Geico, so we do not know if it is still available for investigation, but the fire investigators did confirm the cause was the missing oil cap. At this time, ourselves and three of our neighbors are unable to return to their homes. We are looking at least another year before being able to return. We lost everything in our home along with the car. This included many items which can never be replaced. This BMW i3 put ourselves, the neighbors and the multitude of firefighters this took to put this fire out lives at risk.

    NHTSA complaint 11588266
19. Filed Apr 11, 2024Failure Apr 11, 2024Midlothian, VAAir bags

    Message saying driver restraint failure, air bags may not deploy properly. Random event, has been an issue with bmw i3 models.

    NHTSA complaint 11582488
20. Filed Apr 7, 2024Failure Apr 5, 2024Honolulu, HIBody

    I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.

    NHTSA complaint 11581534