Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
614.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2046.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
37.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1227.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
24.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2014peak 5Mar 2023
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 40,000 milesFriday Harbor, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3 Hybrid. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle overnight the next morning the vehicle climate control was activated and moments later smoke was present inside the vehicle coming from the front passenger side air vent. After exiting the vehicle flames were seen coming from the front passenger side air vent and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The manufacturer later had the vehicle examined and informed that the fire was caused by a loose bolt used to secure the 12V battery. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11513646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesFriday Harbor, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3 Hybrid. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle overnight the next morning the vehicle climate control was activated and moments later smoke was present inside the vehicle coming from the front passenger side air vent. After exiting the vehicle flames were seen coming from the front passenger side air vent and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The manufacturer later had the vehicle examined and informed that the fire was caused by a loose bolt used to secure the 12V battery. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11513646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 715 milesTroy, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
ON AUGUST 29, 1:25PM, WHEN I DROVE THE BMW I3 CAR IN THE COMCAST PARKING LOT INTO A PARK SPOT, THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS ALMOST SLOW DOWN TO ZERO AFTER I LEFT MY FOOT FROM THE ACCEL. PEDAL SINCE THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN WITHOUT ACCEL. PEDAL PRESSED. THEN, I PRESSED THE P BUTTON IN THE SWITCH KNOB AS I DID MANY TIMES OVER THE 700 MILES EXPERIENCES IN THIS CAR. THE CAR WAS ABRUPTLY SPEED UP WITH A VERY BIG TORQUE, I USED BY FOOT TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT DIDN'T WORK. THE CAR WAS IN AN AROUND 50-MILE-SPEED (ACCORDING TO AN OBSERVER IN THE COMCAST PARK LOT) RUSHING FORWARD. IT RUSHED OVER THE CONCRETE-PARKING-LOT-STOP-BAR, AND THEN RUSHED OVER THE PARKING LOT CURB INTO THE SMALL HILL AND THE BUSHES. THE CAR WAS SLOWED DOWN BY THE CONCRETE-STOP-BAR, THEN BY THE PARKING LOT CURB, AND IT WAS FINALLY STOPPED BY THE BUSHES TO AVOID THE RUSH TO A ROAD NEXT TO THE BUSHES. THE WHOLE ACCIDENT WAS OBSERVED BY MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMCAST PARKING LOT AND A POLICE OFFICER WAS CALLED BY THEM TO PROCESS THIS WITH A TRAFFIC TICKET WAS ISSUED TO ME. THE CAR WAS RECALLED BY THE DEALER TO REFLASH ALMOST ALL THE CONTROL SOFTWARE AND TO INSTALL NAVIGATION SOFTWARE THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST PICKED UP THE CAR IN THE MORNING. THE ROOT CAUSE IS STILL INVESTIGATING BY THE DEALER/BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10631791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 715 milesTroy, MICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON AUGUST 29, 1:25PM, WHEN I DROVE THE BMW I3 CAR IN THE COMCAST PARKING LOT INTO A PARK SPOT, THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS ALMOST SLOW DOWN TO ZERO AFTER I LEFT MY FOOT FROM THE ACCEL. PEDAL SINCE THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN WITHOUT ACCEL. PEDAL PRESSED. THEN, I PRESSED THE P BUTTON IN THE SWITCH KNOB AS I DID MANY TIMES OVER THE 700 MILES EXPERIENCES IN THIS CAR. THE CAR WAS ABRUPTLY SPEED UP WITH A VERY BIG TORQUE, I USED BY FOOT TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT DIDN'T WORK. THE CAR WAS IN AN AROUND 50-MILE-SPEED (ACCORDING TO AN OBSERVER IN THE COMCAST PARK LOT) RUSHING FORWARD. IT RUSHED OVER THE CONCRETE-PARKING-LOT-STOP-BAR, AND THEN RUSHED OVER THE PARKING LOT CURB INTO THE SMALL HILL AND THE BUSHES. THE CAR WAS SLOWED DOWN BY THE CONCRETE-STOP-BAR, THEN BY THE PARKING LOT CURB, AND IT WAS FINALLY STOPPED BY THE BUSHES TO AVOID THE RUSH TO A ROAD NEXT TO THE BUSHES. THE WHOLE ACCIDENT WAS OBSERVED BY MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMCAST PARKING LOT AND A POLICE OFFICER WAS CALLED BY THEM TO PROCESS THIS WITH A TRAFFIC TICKET WAS ISSUED TO ME. THE CAR WAS RECALLED BY THE DEALER TO REFLASH ALMOST ALL THE CONTROL SOFTWARE AND TO INSTALL NAVIGATION SOFTWARE THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST PICKED UP THE CAR IN THE MORNING. THE ROOT CAUSE IS STILL INVESTIGATING BY THE DEALER/BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10631791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 715 milesTroy, MICrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
ON AUGUST 29, 1:25PM, WHEN I DROVE THE BMW I3 CAR IN THE COMCAST PARKING LOT INTO A PARK SPOT, THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS ALMOST SLOW DOWN TO ZERO AFTER I LEFT MY FOOT FROM THE ACCEL. PEDAL SINCE THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN WITHOUT ACCEL. PEDAL PRESSED. THEN, I PRESSED THE P BUTTON IN THE SWITCH KNOB AS I DID MANY TIMES OVER THE 700 MILES EXPERIENCES IN THIS CAR. THE CAR WAS ABRUPTLY SPEED UP WITH A VERY BIG TORQUE, I USED BY FOOT TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT DIDN'T WORK. THE CAR WAS IN AN AROUND 50-MILE-SPEED (ACCORDING TO AN OBSERVER IN THE COMCAST PARK LOT) RUSHING FORWARD. IT RUSHED OVER THE CONCRETE-PARKING-LOT-STOP-BAR, AND THEN RUSHED OVER THE PARKING LOT CURB INTO THE SMALL HILL AND THE BUSHES. THE CAR WAS SLOWED DOWN BY THE CONCRETE-STOP-BAR, THEN BY THE PARKING LOT CURB, AND IT WAS FINALLY STOPPED BY THE BUSHES TO AVOID THE RUSH TO A ROAD NEXT TO THE BUSHES. THE WHOLE ACCIDENT WAS OBSERVED BY MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMCAST PARKING LOT AND A POLICE OFFICER WAS CALLED BY THEM TO PROCESS THIS WITH A TRAFFIC TICKET WAS ISSUED TO ME. THE CAR WAS RECALLED BY THE DEALER TO REFLASH ALMOST ALL THE CONTROL SOFTWARE AND TO INSTALL NAVIGATION SOFTWARE THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST PICKED UP THE CAR IN THE MORNING. THE ROOT CAUSE IS STILL INVESTIGATING BY THE DEALER/BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10631791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 40,000 milesFriday Harbor, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3 Hybrid. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle overnight the next morning the vehicle climate control was activated and moments later smoke was present inside the vehicle coming from the front passenger side air vent. After exiting the vehicle flames were seen coming from the front passenger side air vent and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The manufacturer later had the vehicle examined and informed that the fire was caused by a loose bolt used to secure the 12V battery. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11513646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesFriday Harbor, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3 Hybrid. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle overnight the next morning the vehicle climate control was activated and moments later smoke was present inside the vehicle coming from the front passenger side air vent. After exiting the vehicle flames were seen coming from the front passenger side air vent and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The manufacturer later had the vehicle examined and informed that the fire was caused by a loose bolt used to secure the 12V battery. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11513646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesNashville, TN
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD, CEASED IT OPERATION ANNOUNCING IT HAD DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE. LUCKILY I WAS SLOWING FOR A LIGHT, AS THE STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE CAR COULD BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF (THE REMAINING FUNCTIONS AND POWER OFF). IT THEN COULD BE TURNED BACK ON AND DRIVEN. IN OTHER WORDS, THE CAR DECIDED TO GO OFF LINE WHILE IN A STATE OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #11193570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWebster, NY
STEERING
ASSISTED STEERING IS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND INCORRECTLY IDENTIFYING STRAIGHT. HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING, CAUSING DRIVER TO HAVE TO ADJUST STEERING DIRECTION. SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11193670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesNashville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD, CEASED IT OPERATION ANNOUNCING IT HAD DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE. LUCKILY I WAS SLOWING FOR A LIGHT, AS THE STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE CAR COULD BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF (THE REMAINING FUNCTIONS AND POWER OFF). IT THEN COULD BE TURNED BACK ON AND DRIVEN. IN OTHER WORDS, THE CAR DECIDED TO GO OFF LINE WHILE IN A STATE OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #11193570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesNashville, TN
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD, CEASED IT OPERATION ANNOUNCING IT HAD DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE. LUCKILY I WAS SLOWING FOR A LIGHT, AS THE STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE CAR COULD BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF (THE REMAINING FUNCTIONS AND POWER OFF). IT THEN COULD BE TURNED BACK ON AND DRIVEN. IN OTHER WORDS, THE CAR DECIDED TO GO OFF LINE WHILE IN A STATE OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #11193570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,039 milesGrafton, MA
STEERING
MY BMW I3 OVER THE PAST YEAR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED HAS HAD A HANDFUL OF TIMES WHERE POWER STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY TWITCHY OUR CUTS OUT COMPLETELY LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT CENTERED IS SO THAT I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AND THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVERS. THE CAR IS UNSTABLE AND NO LONGER RETURNS TO CENTER WHEN TAKING CORNERS AND FEELS EXTREMELY HEAVY. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR 3-5 MINUTES UNTIL IT RESETS. BECAUSE IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND THERE IS NO ERROR CODE DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR FIX THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11190022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,100 milesGlendale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REX (RANGE EXTENDER) ON MY I3 DOES NOT TURN ON, AT RANDOM, WHEN THE BATTERY LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE GETS TO A POINT THAT IS LOW ENOUGH FOR IT TO TURN ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A SUDDEN AND VIOLENT LOSS OF SPEED WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE BMW DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THIS IS AN ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE AND HAS SUCCESSFULLY BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE IT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IT HAS BEEN 'FIXED' ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AS WELL. THE VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCES THIS ISSUE INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOW TAKEN A STANCE THAT THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LOSING POWER AND SPEED (AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED HEAVILY) IS "OPERATION NORMALLY FOR CONDITIONS" AND "NO ACTIONS TAKEN" AND ADVICE THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE AND KNOWN AND HAVE "ADVISED CUSTOMER OF LIMITATION OF DRIVING ON THE REX WITH TOO MANY CUSTOMER DEMANDS..." THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE REX NOT TURNING ON AND LOSING POWER WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE / LIGHT COMMERCIAL STREETS AT ALL LEVELS OF SPEED. THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL DOES NOT LIKELY HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THIS. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE GOING 35MPH AND ALSO WHILE GOING 70MPH, AND OTHER SPEEDS IN BETWEEN. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND HAPPENED TO MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND AT LEAST TWO SEPARATE TIMES (DURING THE SAME TRIP, ON DIFFERENT DAYS) TO THE DEALER WHILE IT WAS IN THEIR CARE FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11175779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,100 milesGlendale, AZ
ENGINE
THE REX (RANGE EXTENDER) ON MY I3 DOES NOT TURN ON, AT RANDOM, WHEN THE BATTERY LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE GETS TO A POINT THAT IS LOW ENOUGH FOR IT TO TURN ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A SUDDEN AND VIOLENT LOSS OF SPEED WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE BMW DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THIS IS AN ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE AND HAS SUCCESSFULLY BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE IT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IT HAS BEEN 'FIXED' ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AS WELL. THE VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCES THIS ISSUE INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOW TAKEN A STANCE THAT THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LOSING POWER AND SPEED (AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED HEAVILY) IS "OPERATION NORMALLY FOR CONDITIONS" AND "NO ACTIONS TAKEN" AND ADVICE THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE AND KNOWN AND HAVE "ADVISED CUSTOMER OF LIMITATION OF DRIVING ON THE REX WITH TOO MANY CUSTOMER DEMANDS..." THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE REX NOT TURNING ON AND LOSING POWER WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE / LIGHT COMMERCIAL STREETS AT ALL LEVELS OF SPEED. THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL DOES NOT LIKELY HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THIS. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE GOING 35MPH AND ALSO WHILE GOING 70MPH, AND OTHER SPEEDS IN BETWEEN. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND HAPPENED TO MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND AT LEAST TWO SEPARATE TIMES (DURING THE SAME TRIP, ON DIFFERENT DAYS) TO THE DEALER WHILE IT WAS IN THEIR CARE FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11175779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,100 milesGlendale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE REX (RANGE EXTENDER) ON MY I3 DOES NOT TURN ON, AT RANDOM, WHEN THE BATTERY LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE GETS TO A POINT THAT IS LOW ENOUGH FOR IT TO TURN ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A SUDDEN AND VIOLENT LOSS OF SPEED WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE BMW DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THIS IS AN ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE AND HAS SUCCESSFULLY BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE IT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IT HAS BEEN 'FIXED' ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AS WELL. THE VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCES THIS ISSUE INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOW TAKEN A STANCE THAT THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LOSING POWER AND SPEED (AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED HEAVILY) IS "OPERATION NORMALLY FOR CONDITIONS" AND "NO ACTIONS TAKEN" AND ADVICE THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE AND KNOWN AND HAVE "ADVISED CUSTOMER OF LIMITATION OF DRIVING ON THE REX WITH TOO MANY CUSTOMER DEMANDS..." THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE REX NOT TURNING ON AND LOSING POWER WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE / LIGHT COMMERCIAL STREETS AT ALL LEVELS OF SPEED. THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL DOES NOT LIKELY HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THIS. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE GOING 35MPH AND ALSO WHILE GOING 70MPH, AND OTHER SPEEDS IN BETWEEN. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND HAPPENED TO MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND AT LEAST TWO SEPARATE TIMES (DURING THE SAME TRIP, ON DIFFERENT DAYS) TO THE DEALER WHILE IT WAS IN THEIR CARE FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11175779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,650 milesFontana, CA
SEAT BELTS
WARNING LIGHT INDICATES "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING". TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS RELATED TO PASSENGER SEAT BELT. REPAIR IS NOT COVER BY WARRANTY AS AUTO HAS 52,700 MILES ON IT. DEALER CHARGES $1,242 FOR PARTS AN LABOR.
NHTSA complaint #10966148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesKent, WA
POWER TRAIN
THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. 'THE EME MALFUNCTION HAPPENED THE FIRST DAY THAT I DROVE THE CAR AFTER PURCHASING. NOT LONG AFTER I STARTED DRIVING IN THE MORNING THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE REX WASN'T WORKING. ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER ON MY TRIP, THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE CAR WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE REX. IN THE EVENING WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE BATTERY WAS DISCHARGING, AND THEN THE CAR LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO START AGAIN AFTER SOME TIME. THIS WAS PARTICULARLY SCARY AT THE TIME AS I HAD MY 18 MONTH GRANDSON IN THE BACK SEAT. 'THE SECOND EME FAILURE WAS SERIOUSLY MORE DANGEROUS. I WAS TRAVELING ON 405 SOUTHBOUND WHEN THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY THE CAR LOST POWER. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE WITH NO SHOULDER. CARS WERE COMING UP SO FAST AND CLOSE. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE SO I FLED THE CAR AND JUMPED OVER THE GUARDRAIL FOR SAFETY. I CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY HAD TO BLOCK THE LANE AND PUT OUT FLARES UNTIL AN EMERGENCY TOW TRUCK COULD ARRIVE. 'I AM VERY AFRAID OF THIS CAR AND SINCE THE SECOND EVENT HAPPENED I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE 100-MILE JOURNEYS FOR WHICH WE BOUGHT THE CAR. I BABYSIT MY GRANDSON WHO LIVES UP NORTH, AND THIS IS THE REASON WE PURCHASED THIS CAR, TO SAVE ON GAS. I DO NOT WANT TO PUT MY GRANDSON IN DANGER SO I NOW USE OUR OTHER CAR, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE GOOD GAS MILEAGE. BOTH TIMES WERE ON THE FREEWAY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS
NHTSA complaint #10956973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesKent, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. 'THE EME MALFUNCTION HAPPENED THE FIRST DAY THAT I DROVE THE CAR AFTER PURCHASING. NOT LONG AFTER I STARTED DRIVING IN THE MORNING THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE REX WASN'T WORKING. ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER ON MY TRIP, THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE CAR WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE REX. IN THE EVENING WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE BATTERY WAS DISCHARGING, AND THEN THE CAR LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO START AGAIN AFTER SOME TIME. THIS WAS PARTICULARLY SCARY AT THE TIME AS I HAD MY 18 MONTH GRANDSON IN THE BACK SEAT. 'THE SECOND EME FAILURE WAS SERIOUSLY MORE DANGEROUS. I WAS TRAVELING ON 405 SOUTHBOUND WHEN THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY THE CAR LOST POWER. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE WITH NO SHOULDER. CARS WERE COMING UP SO FAST AND CLOSE. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE SO I FLED THE CAR AND JUMPED OVER THE GUARDRAIL FOR SAFETY. I CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY HAD TO BLOCK THE LANE AND PUT OUT FLARES UNTIL AN EMERGENCY TOW TRUCK COULD ARRIVE. 'I AM VERY AFRAID OF THIS CAR AND SINCE THE SECOND EVENT HAPPENED I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE 100-MILE JOURNEYS FOR WHICH WE BOUGHT THE CAR. I BABYSIT MY GRANDSON WHO LIVES UP NORTH, AND THIS IS THE REASON WE PURCHASED THIS CAR, TO SAVE ON GAS. I DO NOT WANT TO PUT MY GRANDSON IN DANGER SO I NOW USE OUR OTHER CAR, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE GOOD GAS MILEAGE. BOTH TIMES WERE ON THE FREEWAY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS
NHTSA complaint #10956973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,400 milesHuntsville, AL
POWER TRAIN
LEFT MOTOR MOUNT BOLT BROKE WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN AT 4:00 PM IN FRIDAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE BOLT FAILURE SHIFTED MOTOR DOWN ~3" AND BROKE POWER CABLE(S) AND BATTERY COOLING LINES. THE CAR SHIFTED INTO "N", ONCE, AND ROLLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING PLACE. SHIFTED INTO "P" AND CONTACTED BMW ROAD SIDE SERVICE. BMW SERVICE ASKED TO SHIFT INTO "N" BUT THE CAR REMAINED IN "P". THEY DID NOT HAVE WORKAROUND INSTRUCTIONS TO FORCE IT INTO "N" AND REPORTED THERE WERE NO TIRE "SKATES" TO SLIDE CAR ON A FLAT-BED. MORE TECHNICAL DETAILS AT: HTTP://WWW.MYBMWI3.COM/FORUM/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?F=15&T=4266#P37104
NHTSA complaint #10938956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,500 milesLathrop, CA
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I680 IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, CAR SWITCHED TO THE RANGE EXTENDER JUST BEFORE ME GETTING TO THE ALTAMONT PASS. PART WAY UP THE HILL CAR LOST POWER UNEXEPTEDLY. TOOK CAR BACK TO BMW DEALERSHIP AS IT WAS IN THE SHOP THE WEEK BEFORE FOR A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION. DEALER SAID THIS POWRE LOSS WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE GRADE AS THE REX CANNOT KEEP HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CHARGED UP ENOUGH WHILE GOING UPHILL. THEY SAID IT WAS TO BE EXPECTED. NOTHING RECEIVED PRIOR TO SALE INFORMATION OF THIS POSSIBLITY.
NHTSA complaint #10925277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,190 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
I TEST DROVE A BMW I3. I GOT INTO TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY FORGOT TO CHARGE IT UP COMPLETELY WHEN I DROVE IT. ALMOST DIED. CONSUMER REPORTS DESCRIBES IT ALL BETTER THAN I CAN: "A NEW LAWSUIT ALLEGES THAT BMW I3 ELECTRIC CARS CAN SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN WHEN THEIR BATTERY POWER IS LOW, POTENTIALLY PUTTING PASSENGERS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. FILED TUESDAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN LOS ANGELES, THE CLASS-ACTION SUIT ALLEGES THAT THE I3'S 'RANGE EXTENDER FEATURE ... DOESN'T PRODUCE ENOUGH POWER TO PREVENT A DRAMATIC DECREASE IN THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE. AS ALLEGED, IF THE CAR IS UNDER ANY KIND OF SIGNIFICANT LOAD (SUCH AS GOING UP A HILL, OR LOADED WITH PASSENGERS), THE SPEED OF THE CAR WILL DRAMATICALLY DECREASE AS THE BATTERY CHARGE DIMINISHES,' ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY JONATHAN MICHAELS OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF." -- CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE REPORTS.
NHTSA complaint #10869984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,190 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ENGINE
I TEST DROVE A BMW I3. I GOT INTO TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY FORGOT TO CHARGE IT UP COMPLETELY WHEN I DROVE IT. ALMOST DIED. CONSUMER REPORTS DESCRIBES IT ALL BETTER THAN I CAN: "A NEW LAWSUIT ALLEGES THAT BMW I3 ELECTRIC CARS CAN SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN WHEN THEIR BATTERY POWER IS LOW, POTENTIALLY PUTTING PASSENGERS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. FILED TUESDAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN LOS ANGELES, THE CLASS-ACTION SUIT ALLEGES THAT THE I3'S 'RANGE EXTENDER FEATURE ... DOESN'T PRODUCE ENOUGH POWER TO PREVENT A DRAMATIC DECREASE IN THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE. AS ALLEGED, IF THE CAR IS UNDER ANY KIND OF SIGNIFICANT LOAD (SUCH AS GOING UP A HILL, OR LOADED WITH PASSENGERS), THE SPEED OF THE CAR WILL DRAMATICALLY DECREASE AS THE BATTERY CHARGE DIMINISHES,' ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY JONATHAN MICHAELS OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF." -- CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE REPORTS.
NHTSA complaint #10869984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,190 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I TEST DROVE A BMW I3. I GOT INTO TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY FORGOT TO CHARGE IT UP COMPLETELY WHEN I DROVE IT. ALMOST DIED. CONSUMER REPORTS DESCRIBES IT ALL BETTER THAN I CAN: "A NEW LAWSUIT ALLEGES THAT BMW I3 ELECTRIC CARS CAN SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN WHEN THEIR BATTERY POWER IS LOW, POTENTIALLY PUTTING PASSENGERS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. FILED TUESDAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN LOS ANGELES, THE CLASS-ACTION SUIT ALLEGES THAT THE I3'S 'RANGE EXTENDER FEATURE ... DOESN'T PRODUCE ENOUGH POWER TO PREVENT A DRAMATIC DECREASE IN THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE. AS ALLEGED, IF THE CAR IS UNDER ANY KIND OF SIGNIFICANT LOAD (SUCH AS GOING UP A HILL, OR LOADED WITH PASSENGERS), THE SPEED OF THE CAR WILL DRAMATICALLY DECREASE AS THE BATTERY CHARGE DIMINISHES,' ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY JONATHAN MICHAELS OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF." -- CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE REPORTS.
NHTSA complaint #10869984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,850 milesLakewood, CO
POWER TRAIN
TEST DRIVING THIS BMW I3, I NOTICED THE REX RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE WAS DANGEROUSLY SLOW. THE 34 HP SCOOTER ENGINE IS A HAZARD IN TRAFFIC. I ALSO NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. CONSUMER REPORTS OUTLINED IT, AND I CAN'T SAY IT BETTER. .... WHY ARE THERE NOT MINIMUM FMVSS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS TO COVER THE HAZARDS WHILE IN REX-MODE (BATTERY DEAD, RUNNING ON SCOOTER MOTOR IN HEAVY, FAST, TRAFFIC)? THIS IS A NEW AREA: WEIRD BEHAVIOR FROM EVS IN REX MODE. HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/10/BEWARE-TAILGATING-A-BMW-I3/INDEX.HTM HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/10/BMW-I3-HAS-THE-LITTLE-ENGINE-THAT-COULD/INDEX.HTM
NHTSA complaint #10861225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,850 milesLakewood, CO
ENGINE
TEST DRIVING THIS BMW I3, I NOTICED THE REX RANGE EXTENDER ENGINE WAS DANGEROUSLY SLOW. THE 34 HP SCOOTER ENGINE IS A HAZARD IN TRAFFIC. I ALSO NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. CONSUMER REPORTS OUTLINED IT, AND I CAN'T SAY IT BETTER. .... WHY ARE THERE NOT MINIMUM FMVSS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS TO COVER THE HAZARDS WHILE IN REX-MODE (BATTERY DEAD, RUNNING ON SCOOTER MOTOR IN HEAVY, FAST, TRAFFIC)? THIS IS A NEW AREA: WEIRD BEHAVIOR FROM EVS IN REX MODE. HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/10/BEWARE-TAILGATING-A-BMW-I3/INDEX.HTM HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2014/10/BMW-I3-HAS-THE-LITTLE-ENGINE-THAT-COULD/INDEX.HTM
NHTSA complaint #10861225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,984 milesSanta Rosa, CA
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING ON A WINDY, HILLY ROAD WHEN I HEARD A BANG AND THE CAR RAPIDLY DECELLERATED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DISPLAY SHOWED "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION - DO NOT DRIVE CAR" THE BATTERY SHOWED THERE WAS STILL POWER LEFT, AND THE RANGE EXTENDER (REX) HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. IT ALSO COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD AND AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. AFTER HOURS OF DIRECTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AROUND THE CAR ON THIS TWO-LANE ROAD, A FLATBED FINALLY ARRIVED AND HAD TO DRAG THE CAR WITH LOCKED WHEELS UP ONTO THE FLATBED USING A WINCH. BMW SAID THE CAR HAD MANY FAULTS STEMMING FROM A "PROBLEM IN THE SME. ALSO SAID "PUMA RESPONSE WAS TO REPLACE KLE" CAR HAS SINCE BEEN WORKING FINE BUT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY ROAD, IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC.
NHTSA complaint #10765303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,300 milesSaratoga, CA
POWER TRAIN
WHILE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC, ON A SMOOTH SURFACE STREET, WE HEARD A POP OR BANG AND IMMEDIATELY AN ERROR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, PULL OVER AND STOP". BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO PARK WHILE I WAS STOPPED AND COULD NOT BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL. I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND HAD TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND MT CAR FOR 1.5 HOURS BEFORE A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, HAD I BEEN ON TRAIN TRACKS OR IN A HIGHER SPEED SECTION OF ROAD, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS FAILURE MODE MUST BE CORRECTED FOR ME TO WANT TO KEEP THE CAR. A DRIVER MUST BE ABLE TO PUSH THEIR CAR OUT OF HARMS WAY IF THERE IS A MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10749176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesCastro Valley, CA
STEERING
VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT, VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW BUT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALWAYS HAVE TO ADJUST THE STEERING CONSTANTLY FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT, VEHICLE IS WANDERING. IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE IT APPEARS AS THE DRIVER IS DRUNK.
NHTSA complaint #10743418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,500 milesHopewell JCT, NY
WHEELS
FLAT TIRE, TIRE UNREPAIRABLE BIG HOLE AND RUPTURED AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. NO JACK GIVEN, NO SPARE TIRE GIVEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME CAR
NHTSA complaint #10723821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesPorter Ranch, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I BOUGHT BMW I-3 IN 9/14. IT RAN FINE UNTIL LAST WEEKEND IN NOV. ON SAT. 11/29/14 WE WERE DRIVING ON I-5 NORTH AT ABOUT GORMAN EXIT CAR WENT ON GAS EXTENDER AND ALL OF SUDDEN SPEED DROPPED FROM 60-65 MILES TO 30 MILES AND BELOW AND WILL NOT GO FASTER THAN THAT ON FREEWAY DESPITE ME FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL. WE TOOK NEXT EXIT OF FRAZIER PARK DRIVING IN RIGHT MOST LANE WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND ALL THE WAY UPTO PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB SAME THING HAPPENED. WE CHARGED THE CAR OVERNIGHT TO FULL CAPACITY AND DROVE BACK TO PORTER RANCH NEXT DAY. I WENT TO MY WORK ON 11/30/14 LATER IN AFTERNOON AND COMING BACK FROM PANORAMA CITY TO PORTER RANCH AGAIN CAR CAME ON GAS THIS TIME AT THE RAMP FROM I-405 NORTH MERGE WITH 118 WEST AND THIS TIME CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED ON THE RAMP IT WAS AT ABOUT 3.45 PM IT WAS RAINING IN THE VALLEY. I WAS SO AFRAID THAT SOMEBODY WILL HIT ME FROM BACK. FORTUNATELY ENOUGH AFTER LONG-LONG FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START MY CAR AND TOOK NEXT EXIT ON 118 WEST (HAYVENHURST) AND DROVE BACK HOME ON STREET WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON IN THE RAIN. SEEMS, CAR GOING ON GAS EXTENDER ON FREEWAY IS A"DEATH TRAP". I DONOT REMEMBER ANY BODY WARNING US OF THAT PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10676147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.