2017 BMW i3: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2017 BMW i3 at 35 mpg combined (gas versions) and 118–124 MPGe combined with 81–114 miles of EPA-rated range across 3 versions. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 53 owner complaints for this model year.
Safety recalls
3
EPA combined mpg
35
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.
2017 BMW i3 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 3 safety recalls for the 2017 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.
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.
Risk
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.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
Advertisement
2017 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.
2017 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.
2017 BMW i3 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2017 BMW I3 5 HB RWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
No
2017 BMW I3 PHEV 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.
Advertisement
2017 BMW i3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW i3, most recently on Oct 9, 2026. 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2017 BMW i3 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Unknown or other
12
Steering
11
Structure: Body
10
Electrical system
8
Power train
6
Air bags
3
Fuel/propulsion system
3
Structure: Body: Roof and pillars
3
Electronic stability control (ESC)
2
Service brakes
2
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
