Bmw I3 hybrid problems
The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German marque BMW from 2013 to 2022. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. It is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback with an electric powertrain. It uses rear-wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack with an optional range-extending petrol engine.
Styled by Richard Kim, the i3 is a five-door with a passenger module of high strength, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer adhered to an aluminium chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The body features two clamshell rear-hinged rear doors.
The i3 debuted as a concept at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and production began in September 2013 in Leipzig.
It ranked third amongst electric cars sold worldwide from 2014 to 2016. Its global sales totaled 250,000 units by the end of 2022. Germany was its biggest market with over 47,500 units delivered through December 2021, followed by the U.S. with over 45,000.
The i3 won two World Car of the Year Awards, selected as 2014 World Green Car of the Year and as 2014 World Car Design of the Year. The i3 received an iF Product Design Gold Award, and won UK Car of the Year 2014 and Best Supermini of 2014 in the first UK Car of the Year Awards.
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Bmw I3 hybrid model years
Common Bmw I3 hybrid problems
Based on complaints from BMW i3 owners, common problems with the BMW i3 hybrid cars include:
- Bodywork Issues:
- Owners have reported scuffs and wear on the futuristic bodywork, often caused by navigating multi-storey car parks. It is advisable to check for any signs of damage on the exterior, especially around the body panels and wheels.
- Non-Motor Electrics Problems:
- Some BMW i3s have experienced issues with non-motor electrics, which can include problems with components like the AC compressor, washer fluid pump, and flickering HVAC LEDs. These electrical issues can impact the overall functionality of the vehicle.
- Suspension Concerns:
- Suspension problems have been noted by owners, affecting the ride quality and handling of the BMW i3. Issues with the suspension system can lead to discomfort while driving and may require repairs or replacements to ensure safe operation.
- Regenerative Braking System Oversteer:
- Certain models produced between specific dates had issues with the regenerative braking system being too aggressive, causing oversteer in slippery conditions. This can affect the vehicle's stability and handling, requiring a software update to rectify the problem.
- Fuel Tank Ventilation Line Chafing:
- In range-extender models produced within a certain timeframe, the ventilation line from the fuel tank could chafe against the positive battery terminal, potentially leading to fuel vapor leaks and, in extreme cases, a fire hazard. Dealers are required to inspect and replace damaged lines to prevent this safety issue.
- Interior Quality Concerns:
- Owners have raised complaints about the interior quality of the BMW i3, including issues with rubber parts like antenna and door seals, door handles, and delaminating roofs. These cosmetic problems can impact the aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle.
By addressing these common problems with the BMW i3 hybrid cars, owners can be better informed about potential issues they may encounter and take proactive measures to maintain the performance and reliability of their vehicles.
What are the problems with the BMW i3?
The BMW i3 was the brand's first foray into the pure electric world, and it's proving a fairly dependable option. According to our survey, 21% of i3s had a fault, but two thirds of issues were fixed in less than a week. The main problem areas were the bodywork, non-motor electrics and suspension.
What is the life expectancy of BMW i3 battery?
between 3-5 years
2021 BMW i3 batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on driving habits, weather conditions, the type of battery, and more. You can prolong the life of your i3 battery by: Keeping your vehicle stored indoors away from extreme swings in temperature or climate.
Can a BMW i3 battery be replaced?
Replacing the battery is a simple process with the help of your local BMW dealership.
Why was the BMW i3 discontinued?
By 2021 the company was ready to refocus on its core customers, and set a goal of making 50% of all BMW sales EVs by 2030. In January 2022, BMW said it would stop production of the i3 entirely, instead leaning into larger, longer range EV options like the i4 and iX — cars meant to look like the brand's other models.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw I3 hybrid years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw I3 hybrid cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Bmw I3 hybrid model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw I3 hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw I3 hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw I3 hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw I3 hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw I3 hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by I3 hybrid model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by I3 hybrid model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw I3 hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw I3 hybrid vehicles.
List of Bmw I3 hybrid complaints
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBY1Z4C59EV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3 Hybrid. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle overnight the next morning the vehicle climate control was activated and moments later smoke was present inside the vehicle coming from the front passenger side air vent. After exiting the vehicle flames were seen coming from the front passenger side air vent and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The manufacturer later had the vehicle examined and informed that the fire was caused by a loose bolt used to secure the 12V battery. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-04-03
- VIN: WBY1Z4C51EV
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD, CEASED IT OPERATION ANNOUNCING IT HAD DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE. LUCKILY I WAS SLOWING FOR A LIGHT, AS THE STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE CAR COULD BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF (THE REMAINING FUNCTIONS AND POWER OFF). IT THEN COULD BE TURNED BACK ON AND DRIVEN. IN OTHER WORDS, THE CAR DECIDED TO GO OFF LINE WHILE IN A STATE OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DRIVER.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2019-04-03
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ASSISTED STEERING IS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND INCORRECTLY IDENTIFYING STRAIGHT. HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING, CAUSING DRIVER TO HAVE TO ADJUST STEERING DIRECTION. SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-17
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-19
- VIN: WBY1Z4C53EV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY BMW I3 OVER THE PAST YEAR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED HAS HAD A HANDFUL OF TIMES WHERE POWER STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY TWITCHY OUR CUTS OUT COMPLETELY LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT CENTERED IS SO THAT I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AND THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVERS. THE CAR IS UNSTABLE AND NO LONGER RETURNS TO CENTER WHEN TAKING CORNERS AND FEELS EXTREMELY HEAVY. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR 3-5 MINUTES UNTIL IT RESETS. BECAUSE IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND THERE IS NO ERROR CODE DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR FIX THE ISSUE.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2019-02-08
- VIN: WBY1Z4C56EV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE REX (RANGE EXTENDER) ON MY I3 DOES NOT TURN ON, AT RANDOM, WHEN THE BATTERY LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE GETS TO A POINT THAT IS LOW ENOUGH FOR IT TO TURN ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A SUDDEN AND VIOLENT LOSS OF SPEED WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE BMW DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THIS IS AN ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE AND HAS SUCCESSFULLY BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE IT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IT HAS BEEN 'FIXED' ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AS WELL. THE VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCES THIS ISSUE INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOW TAKEN A STANCE THAT THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LOSING POWER AND SPEED (AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED HEAVILY) IS "OPERATION NORMALLY FOR CONDITIONS" AND "NO ACTIONS TAKEN" AND ADVICE THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE AND KNOWN AND HAVE "ADVISED CUSTOMER OF LIMITATION OF DRIVING ON THE REX WITH TOO MANY CUSTOMER DEMANDS..." THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE REX NOT TURNING ON AND LOSING POWER WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE / LIGHT COMMERCIAL STREETS AT ALL LEVELS OF SPEED. THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL DOES NOT LIKELY HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THIS. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE GOING 35MPH AND ALSO WHILE GOING 70MPH, AND OTHER SPEEDS IN BETWEEN. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND HAPPENED TO MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND AT LEAST TWO SEPARATE TIMES (DURING THE SAME TRIP, ON DIFFERENT DAYS) TO THE DEALER WHILE IT WAS IN THEIR CARE FOR REPAIR.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-03-15
- VIN: WBY1Z4C5XEV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WARNING LIGHT INDICATES "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING". TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS RELATED TO PASSENGER SEAT BELT. REPAIR IS NOT COVER BY WARRANTY AS AUTO HAS 52,700 MILES ON IT. DEALER CHARGES $1,242 FOR PARTS AN LABOR.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-09
- Date Complaint: 2017-02-25
- VIN: WBY1Z4C59EV
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. 'THE EME MALFUNCTION HAPPENED THE FIRST DAY THAT I DROVE THE CAR AFTER PURCHASING. NOT LONG AFTER I STARTED DRIVING IN THE MORNING THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE REX WASN'T WORKING. ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER ON MY TRIP, THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE CAR WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE REX. IN THE EVENING WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE BATTERY WAS DISCHARGING, AND THEN THE CAR LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO START AGAIN AFTER SOME TIME. THIS WAS PARTICULARLY SCARY AT THE TIME AS I HAD MY 18 MONTH GRANDSON IN THE BACK SEAT. 'THE SECOND EME FAILURE WAS SERIOUSLY MORE DANGEROUS. I WAS TRAVELING ON 405 SOUTHBOUND WHEN THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY THE CAR LOST POWER. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE WITH NO SHOULDER. CARS WERE COMING UP SO FAST AND CLOSE. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE SO I FLED THE CAR AND JUMPED OVER THE GUARDRAIL FOR SAFETY. I CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY HAD TO BLOCK THE LANE AND PUT OUT FLARES UNTIL AN EMERGENCY TOW TRUCK COULD ARRIVE. 'I AM VERY AFRAID OF THIS CAR AND SINCE THE SECOND EVENT HAPPENED I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE 100-MILE JOURNEYS FOR WHICH WE BOUGHT THE CAR. I BABYSIT MY GRANDSON WHO LIVES UP NORTH, AND THIS IS THE REASON WE PURCHASED THIS CAR, TO SAVE ON GAS. I DO NOT WANT TO PUT MY GRANDSON IN DANGER SO I NOW USE OUR OTHER CAR, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE GOOD GAS MILEAGE. BOTH TIMES WERE ON THE FREEWAY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-09
- Date Complaint: 2017-01-01
- VIN: WBY1Z4C52EV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LEFT MOTOR MOUNT BOLT BROKE WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN AT 4:00 PM IN FRIDAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE BOLT FAILURE SHIFTED MOTOR DOWN ~3" AND BROKE POWER CABLE(S) AND BATTERY COOLING LINES. THE CAR SHIFTED INTO "N", ONCE, AND ROLLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING PLACE. SHIFTED INTO "P" AND CONTACTED BMW ROAD SIDE SERVICE. BMW SERVICE ASKED TO SHIFT INTO "N" BUT THE CAR REMAINED IN "P". THEY DID NOT HAVE WORKAROUND INSTRUCTIONS TO FORCE IT INTO "N" AND REPORTED THERE WERE NO TIRE "SKATES" TO SLIDE CAR ON A FLAT-BED. MORE TECHNICAL DETAILS AT: HTTP://WWW.MYBMWI3.COM/FORUM/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?F=15&T=4266#P37104
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-07
- Date Complaint: 2016-11-09
- VIN: WBY1Z4C5XEV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I680 IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, CAR SWITCHED TO THE RANGE EXTENDER JUST BEFORE ME GETTING TO THE ALTAMONT PASS. PART WAY UP THE HILL CAR LOST POWER UNEXEPTEDLY. TOOK CAR BACK TO BMW DEALERSHIP AS IT WAS IN THE SHOP THE WEEK BEFORE FOR A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION. DEALER SAID THIS POWRE LOSS WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE GRADE AS THE REX CANNOT KEEP HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CHARGED UP ENOUGH WHILE GOING UPHILL. THEY SAID IT WAS TO BE EXPECTED. NOTHING RECEIVED PRIOR TO SALE INFORMATION OF THIS POSSIBLITY.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2016-05-20
- VIN: WBY1Z4C5XEV
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I TEST DROVE A BMW I3. I GOT INTO TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY FORGOT TO CHARGE IT UP COMPLETELY WHEN I DROVE IT. ALMOST DIED. CONSUMER REPORTS DESCRIBES IT ALL BETTER THAN I CAN: "A NEW LAWSUIT ALLEGES THAT BMW I3 ELECTRIC CARS CAN SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN WHEN THEIR BATTERY POWER IS LOW, POTENTIALLY PUTTING PASSENGERS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. FILED TUESDAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN LOS ANGELES, THE CLASS-ACTION SUIT ALLEGES THAT THE I3'S 'RANGE EXTENDER FEATURE ... DOESN'T PRODUCE ENOUGH POWER TO PREVENT A DRAMATIC DECREASE IN THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE. AS ALLEGED, IF THE CAR IS UNDER ANY KIND OF SIGNIFICANT LOAD (SUCH AS GOING UP A HILL, OR LOADED WITH PASSENGERS), THE SPEED OF THE CAR WILL DRAMATICALLY DECREASE AS THE BATTERY CHARGE DIMINISHES,' ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY JONATHAN MICHAELS OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF." -- CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE REPORTS.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-13
- Date Complaint: 2016-04-25
- VIN: WBY1Z4C57EV
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TEST DRIVING THIS BMW I3, I NOTICED THE REX RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE WAS DANGEROUSLY SLOW. THE 34 HP SCOOTER ENGINE IS A HAZARD IN TRAFFIC. I ALSO NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. CONSUMER REPORTS OUTLINED IT, AND I CAN'T SAY IT BETTER. .... WHY ARE THERE NOT MINIMUM FMVSS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS TO COVER THE HAZARDS WHILE IN REX-MODE (BATTERY DEAD, RUNNING ON SCOOTER MOTOR IN HEAVY, FAST, TRAFFIC)? THIS IS A NEW AREA: WEIRD BEHAVIOR FROM EVS IN REX MODE. HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/10/BEWARE-TAILGATING-A-BMW-I3/INDEX.HTM HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/10/BMW-I3-HAS-THE-LITTLE-ENGINE-THAT-COULD/INDEX.HTM
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-19
- VIN: WBY1Z4C53EV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON A WINDY, HILLY ROAD WHEN I HEARD A BANG AND THE CAR RAPIDLY DECELLERATED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DISPLAY SHOWED "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - DO NOT DRIVE CAR" THE BATTERY SHOWED THERE WAS STILL POWER LEFT, AND THE RANGE EXTENDER (REX) HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. IT ALSO COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD AND AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. AFTER HOURS OF DIRECTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AROUND THE CAR ON THIS TWO-LANE ROAD, A FLATBED FINALLY ARRIVED AND HAD TO DRAG THE CAR WITH LOCKED WHEELS UP ONTO THE FLATBED USING A WINCH. BMW SAID THE CAR HAD MANY FAULTS STEMMING FROM A "PROBLEM IN THE SME. ALSO SAID "PUMA RESPONSE WAS TO REPLACE KLE" CAR HAS SINCE BEEN WORKING FINE BUT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY ROAD, IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-11
- Date Complaint: 2015-08-17
- VIN: WBY1Z4C55EV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC, ON A SMOOTH SURFACE STREET, WE HEARD A POP OR BANG AND IMMEDIATELY AN ERROR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, PULL OVER AND STOP". BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO PARK WHILE I WAS STOPPED AND COULD NOT BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL. I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND HAD TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND MT CAR FOR 1.5 HOURS BEFORE A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, HAD I BEEN ON TRAIN TRACKS OR IN A HIGHER SPEED SECTION OF ROAD, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS FAILURE MODE MUST BE CORRECTED FOR ME TO WANT TO KEEP THE CAR. A DRIVER MUST BE ABLE TO PUSH THEIR CAR OUT OF HARMS WAY IF THERE IS A MALFUNCTION.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-24
- VIN: WBY1Z4C58EV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT, VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW BUT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALWAYS HAVE TO ADJUST THE STEERING CONSTANTLY FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT, VEHICLE IS WANDERING. IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE IT APPEARS AS THE DRIVER IS DRUNK.
Bmw I3 hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2015-06-07
- VIN: WBY1Z4C56EV
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: FLAT TIRE, TIRE UNREPAIRABLE BIG HOLE AND RUPTURED AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. NO JACK GIVEN, NO SPARE TIRE GIVEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME CAR
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