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Research · Subcompact Cars

2016 BMW I8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2016 BMW I8. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 BMW I8 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2020 – Aug 2025
  1. Electrical system2
  2. Engine1
  3. Tires1

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 I8 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20141
20155
20163
20201
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

2 reports
“2016 BMW I8 EME HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY TEMP SENSORS (NTC SENSORS) WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED WHILE DRIVING LOSS POWER AND MY HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY SHUT DOWN AT THE RED LIGHT BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AGAIN AD MAKE IT HOME”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11678650

Engine

1 report

Tires

1 report
“I PURCHASED PIRELLI P ZERO SUMMER SPORTS 245/40 IN THE REAR AND DROVE ABOUT 300 MILES SINCE, AND THEY LOOK WORN-OUT AND THE CAR SLIPS PRETTY BAD IN THE RAIN. JUST AFTER PURCHASING THE TIRES ON A RAINY DAY ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SPUN OUT ALMOST RAN INTO THE MEDIAN. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT BRAND NEW TIRES WOULD WEAR OUT SO QUICKLY THAT IT WOULD BECOME SLICK IN 100-200 MILES WITH NORMAL DRIVING, NO TRACK, NO RACING? PIRELLI OR DISCOUNT TIRE IS NOT TAKING THIS SAFETY CONCERN SERIOUSLY AND IS ONLY STALLING. I HAVE CALLED 6-7 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME TO CONTACT THE DISCOUNT TIRE, AND DISCOUNT TIRE SAYS I NEED TO CALL PIRELLI FOR MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. *TR *BF”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2020TiresODI 11325315
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
1.5L 3-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
EV range
330 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
i8
Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
282928$2,850198
  • i8
    Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo
    28 city · 29 hwy · $2,850/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 BMW I8 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 10496
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2016 I8 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW I8 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 BMW I8 problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), engine (1), tires (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 BMW I8 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 BMW I8 at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026