2016 BMW i3

32 serious complaints of 33, the most about structure (10) and steering (8); 2.2× this model's usual share of all serious complaints about 2016 vehicles. 2 recalls.

What owners report

“The roof has bubbled and peeled away leaving an exposed permeable roof, meaning if it rains, water will get into the car because of the roof material being not safe, not strong, peeling away. Just terrible! Looking online, so many people with i3s ha e all had the same issue!”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Mar 2025

“Every 3 to 21 days, my steering pulls hard to the left. This occurs on flat roads on dry pavement. I have to pull the steering wheel hard to the right to keep the vehicle going straight at city driving speeds (0-35 mph). On one occasion this occurred while on the freeway driving at 70 mph.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Sep 2020

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage X5 PHEV, I3 REX AND I8 FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicleÕs Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor to: (B011318, Jun 2018)
• Extended coverage The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. (B010525, May 2026)
• Extended coverage The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date. (011024, Dec 2024)
• Repair program For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. (B012021, Nov 2021)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

33 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 39–124 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2016 trims and features