2016 BMW i3: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2016 BMW i3 at 39 mpg combined (gas versions) and 124 MPGe combined with 81 miles of EPA-rated range across 2 versions. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 33 owner complaints for this model year.
Safety recalls
2
EPA combined mpg
39
NHTSA overall rating
—
Recall file dated Oct 28, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 28, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a BMW dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2016 BMW i3 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 BMW i3, newest first.
Air bags: Frontal
NHTSA 17V720000Reported Nov 16, 2017
Filed by
BMW of North America, LLC
Units affected
32,000 (estimate)
Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA 17V088000Reported Feb 9, 2017
Filed by
BMW of North America, LLC
Units affected
19,130 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2016 BMW i3 fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2016 BMW i3 crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2016 BMW i3 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2016 BMW I3 5 HB RWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
No
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2016 BMW i3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW i3, most recently on Jun 12, 2026. 3 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2016 BMW i3 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Structure: Body
10
Steering
8
Air bags
5
Electrical system
5
Power train
3
Engine
2
Unknown or other
2
Vehicle speed control
2
Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
