2019 BMW i3: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2019 BMW i3 at 31 mpg combined (gas versions) and 113 MPGe combined with 153 miles of EPA-rated range across 4 versions. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 13 owner complaints for this model year.
Safety recalls
1
EPA combined mpg
31
NHTSA overall rating
—
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 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.
2019 BMW i3 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 1 safety recall for the 2019 BMW i3, newest first.
Hybrid propulsion system and 1 more component
NHTSA 19V599000Reported Aug 14, 2019
Filed by
BMW of North America, LLC
Components
Hybrid propulsion system; Electrical system
Units affected
139 (estimate)
Problem
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.
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 October 11, 2019. 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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2019 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.
2019 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.
2019 BMW i3 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2019 BMW I3 BEV 5 HB RWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
2019 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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2019 BMW i3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 BMW i3, most recently on Jul 21, 2026. 1 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 2019 BMW i3 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Electrical system
6
Steering
4
Power train
3
Engine
2
Fuel/propulsion system
2
Unknown or other
2
Hybrid propulsion system
1
Seat belts
1
Service brakes
1
Structure: Body
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
