2015 BMW i8
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 2 of 5 complaints (40%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 1 in 2014 to 5 in 2015.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 similar vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,750 | 2,750 | 2,750 | 2,750 | |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 28 / 29 | 28 / 29 | 28 / 29 | 28 / 29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 198 | 198 | 198 | 199 | |
| Complaints filed | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 2015 BMW i8 have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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 2015 BMW i8?
Engine: 2 of 5 NHTSA complaints (40%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2015 BMW i8 get?
EPA rates it 28 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 BMW i8?
EPA estimates $2,750 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 3 | 1.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium and Electricity | Subcompact Cars | 28 mpg | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,750 | 198 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 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 (1)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 15V882000 · Dec 28, 2015
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 i8 vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Improperly drilled holes within the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) hydraulic unit may restrict one or more pistons impairing the DSC functions, including braking.
Consequence: Impaired DSC functionality may negatively impact vehicle handling and braking and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the DSC hydraulic unit, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.