2018 BMW i3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 3 of 14 complaints (21%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 51 in 2017 to 14 in 2018.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 similar vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,000 | 600–650 | 2,200 | 2,500 | 2,500 | |
| Combined MPG/MPGe | 39 | 118–124 | 35 | 31 | 31 | |
| City / Highway MPG/MPGe | 41 / 37 | 129–137 / 106–111 | 36 / 33 | 30 / 31 | 30 / 31 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 37 | 0 | 29 | 22 | 22 | |
| Complaints filed | 33 | 51 | 14 | 13 | 0 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW i3 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2018 BMW i3?
Fuel System: 3 of 14 NHTSA complaints (21%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW i3 get?
EPA rates it 35 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 BMW i3?
EPA estimates $2,200 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (A1) | 2 | 0.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gas or Electricity | Subcompact Cars | 36 mpg | 33 mpg | 35 mpg | $2,200 | 29 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (A1) | 2 | 0.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gas or Electricity | Subcompact Cars | 36 mpg | 33 mpg | 35 mpg | $2,200 | 29 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Subcompact Cars | 129 MPGe | 106 MPGe | 118 MPGe | $650 | 0 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Subcompact Cars | 126 MPGe | 99 MPGe | 112 MPGe | $650 | 0 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY; HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · Campaign 19V310000 · Apr 18, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · Campaign 18V652000 · Sep 26, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 17V720000 · Nov 17, 2017
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.