2016 BMW I3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 BMW I3: 2 recalls, 33 owner complaints and up to 124 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #17V088000 · 2017 · 19,130 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tank vent line May rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (b+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
Why it matters: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganapril 3, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V720000 · 2017 · 32,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Unbelted, small adult, drivers May be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (8): the most common themes are steering problems (8), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
The 2016 BMW I3 has 33 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 6 I3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 36). Complaints peaked in 2023 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 20,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (47 complaints, 3 recalls), 2017 (52 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (125 kW AC Induction) | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 137e | 111e | 124e | Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 BMW I3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 BMW I3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2016 BMW I3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 BMW I3 problems?
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (10), steering (8), airbags (6).
What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW I3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 124 mpg combined, across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 BMW I3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.