Model year guide

2016 BMW i3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 BMW i3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2016 BMW i3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2016 BMW i3 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints33

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2016 BMW i3 recalls 2

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #17V720000 · 16/11/2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. 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."

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #17V088000 · 09/02/2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. 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.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2016 BMW i3 common problems

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

2016 BMW i3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Range Extender
Engines
170 hp · 0.6L 2-cyl 170 hp

2016 BMW i3 vehicles on record

2016 BMW i3 2016 BMW i3 Range ExtenderWBY1Z4C57GV507921 2016 BMW i3 2016 BMW i3WBY1Z2C59GV556915

Other BMW i3 model years

2019 2018 2017 2015 2014

2016 BMW i3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 BMW i3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 BMW i3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW i3?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are structure, air bags, electrical system.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.