BMW i3 recalls

15 official safety recalls for the BMW i3 from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. High-voltage battery cell film may be defective

    Reported November 14, 2022Model years 2018–2021DVSA recall R/2022/32218 vehicles affected

    A manufacturing defect in the winding of films inside high-voltage battery cells may affect a cell module. The defective cell module will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    During supplier s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery.
    Defect
    During supplier�s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery.
    Remedy
    The defective cell module will be replaced.

  2. Front seatbelt retractor gas generator may be damaged

    Reported March 30, 2022Model years 2022DVSA recall R/2022/0898,072 vehicles affected

    A damaged micro gas generator in a front seatbelt retractor may not work to specification in a crash. The front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if damaged.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE MICRO GAS GENERATOR WITHIN THE FRONT SEATBELT'S RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED
    Defect
    The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt�s retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.
    Remedy
    On the affected vehicles the front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged

  3. Seatbelt and rear seat screws may not meet specifications

    Reported December 29, 2021Model years 2021DVSA recall R/2021/442304 vehicles affected

    The material quality of some seat and seatbelt screws may not meet specifications. Screws in specific seatbelt or rear seat locations will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE MATERIAL QUALITY OF THE SCREWS USED FOR SEAT BELTS AND REAR SEATS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATIONS.
    Defect
    The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.
    Remedy
    On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.

  4. Rear seat backrest recliner control ring may break

    Reported April 28, 2021Model years 2021DVSA recall R/2021/15882 vehicles affected

    The control ring on a second-row seat backrest recliner may break because of insufficient material performance. The second-row seat frames will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE CONTROL RING OF THE BACKREST RECLINER IN THE SECOND SEAT ROW MAY BREAK
    Defect
    The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance.
    Remedy
    On the affected vehicles the seat frames of the second seat row will be replaced.

  5. Rollover detection sensor may be defective

    Reported June 8, 2020Model years 2020DVSA recall R/2020/162378 vehicles affected

    A defective rollover detection sensor may be fitted in the airbag control unit. The affected airbag control unit will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH A DEFECTIVE SENSOR FOR THE ROLLOVER DETECTION
    Defect
    The air bag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection.
    Remedy
    The Airbag control unit (ACSM4i) will be replaced on the affected vehicles.

  6. Electric motor electronics circuit board may not meet specifications

    Reported April 3, 2020Model years 2019DVSA recall R/2019/289240 vehicles affected

    The electric motor electronics circuit board may not meet specifications. The electric motor electronics unit will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE ELECTRIC MOTOR ELECTRONICS PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFICATIONS
    Defect
    The Electric Motor Electronics (EME) printed circuit board was not manufactured according to specifications
    Remedy
    The Electric Motor Electronics (EME) of vehicles affected will be replaced.

  7. Electrical fault may cause loss of propulsion

    Reported August 14, 2019Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 19V599000139 vehicles affected

    A circuit board problem may shut down the supply of high-voltage power, causing loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the electric motor electronics module free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Defect
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
    Consequence
    A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  8. Electric motor electronics module may cut power

    Reported April 17, 2019Model years 2018NHTSA campaign 19V310000159 vehicles affected

    A circuit board fault may shut off high-voltage power, causing loss of propulsion and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the module free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Defect
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
    Consequence
    A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    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.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  9. Portable charger capacitors may fail

    Reported September 20, 2018Model years 2018NHTSA campaign 18V6520003,501 vehicles affected

    Capacitors in the portable charger may fail, creating a risk of electric shock or fire. Dealers will inspect the charging cable and replace it if necessary, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
    Defect
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
    Consequence
    An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
    Remedy
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  10. Driver air bag may increase neck injury risk

    Reported November 16, 2017Model years 2014–2018NHTSA campaign 17V72000032,000 vehicles affected

    Unbelted drivers of small stature may face a higher risk of neck injury in a frontal crash. Dealers will update the driver air bag control unit software free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
    Defect
    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."
    Consequence
    During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
    Remedy
    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.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  11. Fuel vent line may develop a leak

    Reported February 9, 2017Model years 2014–2017NHTSA campaign 17V08800019,130 vehicles affected

    The fuel tank vent line may rub against a cable sleeve, wear through and leak fuel vapour, increasing fire risk if vapour meets an ignition source. Dealers will inspect and replace the line if needed, and install a clip to prevent chafing, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy
    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.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  12. Seat-mounted side air bag may not deploy

    Reported December 20, 2016Model years 2017NHTSA campaign 16V9140003,506 vehicles affected

    The initiator in a seat-mounted side air bag may fail to ignite during a crash, preventing deployment and increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace the air bag modules free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS
    Defect
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
    Consequence
    If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  13. Incorrect sensor calibration may affect steering stability

    Reported December 3, 2015Model years 2015DVSA recall R/2015/24482 vehicles affected

    Incorrectly calibrated engine current sensors may increase regenerative braking torque during deceleration, causing oversteer or understeer and potentially skidding on slippery roads. The sensors will be calibrated.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING MAY NOT BEHAVE AS DESIGNED
    Defect
    The engine current sensors have not been calibrated correctly which could lead to an increased recuperation torque during vehicle deceleration. An increased recuperation torque during deceleration could lead to a vehicle oversteer condition in the i3 and vehicle understeer condition in the i8. This could lead to skidding on slippery roads during driving.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and calibrate sensors for measuring the engine current.

  14. Passenger air bag may not deploy properly

    Reported October 7, 2015Model years 2014–2015NHTSA campaign 15V6280006,073 vehicles affected

    A manufacturing error may prevent the passenger frontal air bag from deploying properly in a low-speed crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace the air bag module free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
    Defect
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
    Consequence
    In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
    Remedy
    MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  15. Passenger airbag may not deploy properly

    Reported July 14, 2014Model years 2014NHTSA campaign 14V42200027 vehicles affected

    An incorrectly assembled airbag inflator may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying properly in a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
    Defect
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling a certain model year BMW i3 vehicle manufactured March 31, 2014, and certain 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop vehicles manufactured February 2, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an air bag inflator that was not assembled correctly. This could cause the air bag to not deploy properly in the event of an accident.
    Consequence
    If the air bag deploys improperly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bags, the seat occupant may be at an increased risk of injury.
    Remedy
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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