SPORADIC REDUCTION OF STEERING ASSISTANCE: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B32 11 19 dated October 2019. The driver notices a reduction of steering assistance sporadically while in certain driving situations. Steering control is never lost when the reduction of assistance occurs. The fault may self-correct for no obvious reason or be eliminated with a terminal change/key cycle. There is no Check Control (CC) message when the issue occurs. Unfavorable software in the Electric Power Steering (EPS).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 BMW i3 powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12. Microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The electrical machine electronics (EME) Printed Circuit Board (PCB) may not have been produced to specifications. In the event that the EME detects this condition it will shut down high-voltage electrical power. A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion increasing the risk of a crash. However the 12-volt electrical power remains functional to support power steering and braking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LACK OF POWER OR DRIVING READINESS CANNOT BE ESTABLISHED: Drive parameters (speed and torque) may be restricted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Drivetrain Malfunction (CCM 794) with Isolation Faults. The Drivetrain Malfunction check control message (CCM 794) is displayed, either while driving or when starting up. The following faults are stored in the vehicle: EME: 22280F and/or 222814 SME: 21F0E3 and/or 21F0E4 When the CCM is present, there are no apparent drivability concerns. After allowing the vehicle to rest and then restart, the CCM typically does not reappear. CAUSE The cause of an isolation fault is generally a resistance between HV+ or HV- and the shield/chassis ground, which is below a predetermined threshold. The following procedure addresses these faults when caused by a defect in the cable between the HV battery and the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I was driving uphill on a winding, narrow highway, California State Route 18, when the range extender kicked in and I had a sudden loss of power. I could not maintain vehicle speed. It was terrifying. I was alone. I didn't know what to do. I turned on my hazard lights and I pulled over every time vehicles came up behind me.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 BMW i3?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 BMW i3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 17,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/BMW/i3.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.