2018 BMW i3: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2018 BMW i3 at 35 mpg combined (gas versions) and 112–118 MPGe combined with 107–114 miles of EPA-rated range across 4 versions. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 14 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.
2018 BMW i3 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 BMW i3, newest first.
Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery and 1 more component
NHTSA 19V310000Reported Apr 17, 2019
Filed by
BMW of North America, LLC
Components
Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery; Hybrid propulsion system
Units affected
159 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.
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.
Risk
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.
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.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2018 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.
2018 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.
2018 BMW i3 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2018 BMW I3 BEV 5 HB RWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
2018 BMW I3 REX 5 HB RWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
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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2018 BMW i3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW i3, most recently on Jun 18, 2026. 0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2018 BMW i3 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Fuel/propulsion system
3
Steering
3
Structure: Body
3
Vehicle speed control
2
Air bags
1
Electrical system
1
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control
1
Power train
1
Tires
1
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
