12 of the
71 complaints about the 2017 BMW I3 are about the
other systems — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
5,800 miles.
C
12
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
1191.7%
Other/I am not Sure
18.3%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
Rochester, NY
Other/I am not sure
We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions—including cleaning the adjuster area and checking for twisted straps—the problem persists. Evenflo recently closed our support case (#00609796) and sent a replacement seat, which suggests an acknowledgement of the problem. Before I return the impacted seat (as Evenflo Requested), I wanted to reach out here promptly. I am particularly concerned because this appears to be a systemic issue. I would like to include this Reddit thread of other parents experiencing the same harness strap issue: Reddit Discussion: Evenflo 360 straps hard to tighten and loosen https://www.reddit.com/r/CPST/comments/1pzus73/evenflo_360straps_hard_to_tighten_and_loosen/ A cursory look at this Reddit thread shows at least 10 separate people with this same issue. I have documented interactions with Evenflo Parentlink via email and have photos attached and video link here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ogbu8VN-45InQIfCxfnLJaeGgvzcRcRg/view?usp=sharing Thanks Matt Figler (914) 715-8954
NHTSA complaint #11729647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the improperly programmed 4G telematics unit. So BMW knows with 100% certainty this feature will not work on the car, and the car gives no advance warning in is inoperable. Yet they are still informing me in the portal that it is active. I feel if the system is inoperable without any warning, a service bulletin without a recall is not enough. How would I have known of this issue if I didn't test it myself?
NHTSA complaint #11727315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11667003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This has happened twice: I was driving on the expressway and didn’t hear anything hitting my little sunroof, just suddenly noise from that general area. When I pulled over I saw that the sunroof had cracked and the largest part(s) was missing.
NHTSA complaint #11604436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pieces of my roof flew off.
NHTSA complaint #11601834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Berlin, WIFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was onsite a couple of minutes after the car started smoking. It took 4 fire departments approximately 2 hours to extinguish this fire. A car should not be designed in a way in which an oil cap can cause the complete destruction of a home that quickly putting people’s lives at risk. The car was picked up by Geico, so we do not know if it is still available for investigation, but the fire investigators did confirm the cause was the missing oil cap. At this time, ourselves and three of our neighbors are unable to return to their homes. We are looking at least another year before being able to return. We lost everything in our home along with the car. This included many items which can never be replaced. This BMW i3 put ourselves, the neighbors and the multitude of firefighters this took to put this fire out lives at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11588266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof is bubbling, wrinkling, and looks like it is de-laminating
NHTSA complaint #11567737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centennial, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Clear coat on the roof is bubbling and peeling. Could potentially come off as a large sheet and fly off hitting another vehicle or obstructing their view.
NHTSA complaint #11539593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In extreme heat (119 temp outside) BMW charger was plugged into port and melted. Could have caused a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11539266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes the horn virtually useless in emergency situations. The horn switch fully activates... It is like there is some kind of processor involved that cannot process the signal fast enough to engage the horn. This is really getting dangerous and I am frustrated that BMW is saying "by design."
NHTSA complaint #11471951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,600 milesAustin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR STOPPED ALL OF SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY HEADS-UP. SIMPLY SAID CALL DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION PLEASE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE MOST SCARY PART IS THAT THE SUDDEN STOP
NHTSA complaint #11182276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesWashington, DC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OFF AND STARTED ON FIRE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. WE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER (BMW) BUT NO ONE HAS CALLED BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL.
NHTSA complaint #11019184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.