Research
2017 BMW I3 Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 53 owner complaints for the 2017 BMW I3 Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve structure (12) and steering (11).
Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
53
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 BMW I3 Plug-in Hybrid as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
53 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2017 – Oct 2026
- Structure12
- Steering11
- Electrical system8
- Power train6
- Air bags3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Service brakes2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each I3 Plug-in Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
12 reports
“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.”
Steering
11 reports
“I had just turned on the car a few minutes prior to the incident and I was approaching an intersection to turn left onto a 2-lane highway. As I made the left turn, the steering felt wrong like the car was over then under steering. I was able to straighten out, and I felt like the power steering had failed. A quarter mile down the road, I turned left into a gas station, and I could feel the heaviness of the steering. It felt exactly like if the power steering was deactivated. I came to a stop, turn off fans, rolled the window down, and turned the steering wheel to see if there were any odd noises. There weren't. There were no error lamps or messages displayed. I turned off the car for a minute then back on again. The steering felt fine from then on. It felt unsafe because of the sudden loss of expected steering control. I have not yet taken the car to the dealer for this issue, but it was at the dealership two weeks ago for an oil change and inspection.”
Electrical system
8 reports
“The rear backup camera view in the screen is completely overridden in reverse, by a tire pressure warning when a tire is low or there is another TPMS fault. It requires using the rotary dial to clear the message before the function of the backup camera is restored. Also, if the rear hatch is unlatched by mistake (easy to do with the i3 key fob design) the rear camera, which is located in the rear bumper, is completely disabled.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 BMW I3 Plug-in Hybrid as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 11475
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 I3 Plug-in Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2017 BMW I3 Plug-in Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 BMW I3 Plug-in Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (12), steering (11), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026