BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
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severe Owners of the 2017 BMW i3 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 i3 | 8 |
| 2015 i3 | 6 |
| 2016 i3 | 3 |
| 2017 i3 (this page) | 3 |
All 2 active airbags recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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.
STEERING ASSISTANCE SPORADIC REDUCTION: 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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON AFTER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT REPLACEMENT. The airbag indicator light illuminates after replacing the CIS (Capacitive Interior Sensing) mat.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The airbag warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up while the vehicle is in motion. The airbag control unit (ACSM4) contains the following fault(s): ? 930904 - Drivers airbag interval stage 1, resistance too high ? 93090A - Drivers airbag interval stage 2, resistance too high Tension caused by harness cable tie on short jumper harness located between steering column slip ring and driver's airbag creates excess resistance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint,…
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.