Before you buy
This 2016 Bmw I3 has 32 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2016 Bmw I3 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2016 Bmw I3. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2016 Bmw I3 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Bmw I3 has 32 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- I3
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 32
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 124
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 137 / 111
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 150
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2016 Bmw I3 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Steering Defects, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2016 Bmw I3?
The 2016 Bmw I3 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2016 Bmw I3
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, particularly around the body and frame.
- Test the steering system for any unusual noises or play.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and airbag systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, particularly around the body and frame.
- Test the steering system for any unusual noises or play.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Bmw I3, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 32 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 BMW i3, complaints are concentrated in structural problems and steering defects. There are also notable reports of electrical faults and airbag malfunctions. Crash-related complaints are few, and the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Structural problems account for the highest number of complaints (10 out of 32).
- Steering defects are the second most reported issue with 8 complaints.
- Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions each have 5 complaints.
- Structural Problems
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2016 Bmw I3 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Bmw I3. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Bmw I3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limite…
Faulty airbag warning
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be …
The roof has bubbled and peeled away leaving an exposed permeable roof, meaning if it rains, water will get into the car because of the roof material being not safe, not strong, peeling away. Just terrible! Looking online, so many people with i3s ha e all had the same issue!
Translucent protection coat on roof delaminated; pieces blown into air. Bare roof and some coat pieces available for inspection upon request (no inspection yet). Other BMW i3 owners have reported same issue. No prior indication of problem on vehicle itself.
Roof panel is deteriorating and loosing integrity. Outer laminate coat broke down in general sun conditions, and now underlying roof structure is breaking down as well. The dealer has not inspected the roof yet, but this is an issue widely discussed on community forums, and it’s…
The roof is bubbling and peeling up. Water gets in it when it rains, then it bubbles greatly. BMW won’t fix it, repair shops don’t want to fix it because it’s an obscure roof. They recommend I take it to BMW which won’t fix it (roof replacement suggested). I just bought this ca…
The carbon fiber roof of my 2016 BMW i3 REx is really starting to bubble and wrinkle. After taking it to two shops any mitigation would cost hundreds of dollars to address. The roof is starting to peel and am worried about water getting to the car. BMW should have engineered thes…
Roof peeling
Battery degradation
The roof on outside is starting to flake off in chunks and expose bottom layers.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard a whistling sound, and the roof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted,…
My bmw i3 has a faulty wiring harness or some other defect that is causing my car to turn off the airbag system. This is a chronic issue with bmw i3’s. Either the wiring harness is bad or the airbag becomes too stiff and the car deactivated the entire airbag system. Dangerous!
My carbon fiber composite roof is delaminating and separating. There is a risk that the degradation of the roof will become so bad that it will separate off my car while driving and may hit another car. This is a common problem with bmw i3 roofs. It is crazy that the entire roof …
Loses power "without warning"; actually, when the REX turns on it automatically mentions that power "could be" lost when the REX turns on. However, that is very understated. In fact, there is nowhere in the owner's manual that raises this issue; doesn't even mention that there …
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that after making a turn, the steering wheel failed to properly return to center. No warning lights were illuminat…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that the driver restraint warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and the contact was informed that the front driver’s side air bag system was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n…
Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authori…
Previously reported a steering incident no. 11438343. Dealer indidicated that there was a "bug in the software" and that the car would be entitled to a one time fix under extended warranty. Dealership worked on the issue and completed the warranty repair on 11/28/2021 and I pic…
Vehicle experiences periodic loss of "power steering". Very difficult to steer or control. Steering does not re-center making control difficult. Steering is restored after shutting down the car for a few minutes. Dealership cannot find any faults or codes.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Bmw I3.
Safety recalls
2016 Bmw I3 recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Bmw I3. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2016 Bmw I3 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Bmw I3 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 32 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Bmw I3 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Bmw I3?▾
#1: Structural Problems (10 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (8 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Bmw I3?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Bmw I3?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Bmw I3, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 32 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Bmw I3 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Bmw I3. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Bmw I3?▾
The 2016 Bmw I3 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw I3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Bmw I3 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.