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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-BMW-I3 NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
BMW

2018 BMW i3 problems

The 2018 BMW i3 has 2 active recall campaigns on file and no owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

2018 BMW i3
Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 · representative photo of the BMW i3
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Reliability score
Not rated

No owner complaints on NHTSA yet, so the reliability score is provisional. 2 active recalls on file — read those first.

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Critical
2
Severe
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Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 i3?
Not enough data for a verdict

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2018 i3's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 19V310000 April 17, 2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles

A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
severe NHTSA 17V720000 November 16, 2017

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.

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.

Common questions

Is the 2018 BMW i3 reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 0 owner complaints have been filed for the 2018 BMW i3, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2018 BMW i3?

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2018 BMW i3 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2018 BMW i3?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2018 BMW i3 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2018 BMW i3 a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 0 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 BMW i3?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my BMW i3 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 BMW i3?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 0 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/BMW/i3. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with BMW. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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