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Air bagsPart report

2015 BMW I3 Air bags Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
15%of 47 total for the year
Median mileage
39,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2015 BMW I3, 15% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Only 5 years old 41k miles, mint condition, while driving the light came on saying driver restraint system malfunction. After checking all the I3 blogs this seems to be an ongoing issue. I took my car over to Bmw today, they looked at it and said the airbag has malfunctioned same thing as the blogs are outlining. I was advised but the service person that it would be 1800.00 I told him this is an issue with the I3 and its all over the blogs, he acknowledged his awareness, in addition airbags should be good for 10 years / guaranteed? …”

NHTSA complaint #11390432, filed 2021-01, 41,000 miles

“Seat belt twist into the re-tractor back of the seat and cannot be untwisted because the twist remains behind the seat from the floor to the top of the seat. Taken to the dealer but the dealer denies that this is possible claiming someone must have messed with them installing them backwards. I have another issue too with the seat mat on the passenger side throwing an error message where the airbag will turn off with a passenger in the seat. Dealership claims it's do to moister and refuses to fix it unless pay 1500 dollars. …”

NHTSA complaint #11103413, filed 2018-06, 37,000 miles

“I am the owner of my BMWi3. We live in a retirement community in Florida and it is the perfect vehicle for driving the short commutes of our daily activities. December 27, 2020 I ordered (from Amazon) SUNTUE Buckles Extender,Universal Fit for 7/8'' Metal Tongue, Extension Socket Connector with E11 Safety Certified -2 Pack. The purpose was to make it easier to fasten the seat belts. We are in our 70’s and it is difficult to reach down to fasten the belt. Our fingers are not as nimble as when we were young. …”

NHTSA complaint #11435589, filed 2021-10

“2015 Bmw I3. Consumer writes in regards to range extender safety recall. Consumer sent additional correspondence. The consumer stated the vehicle has had multiple recalls and 2 lightweight tires that have ruptured easily. Updated 11/15/2017 the consumer stated the battery in the vehicle would rapidly lose it's charge. The consumer was advised the vehicle was operating as designed.”

NHTSA complaint #11033750, filed 2017-11

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201817%
201736%
2016618%
2015715%
2014815%

Other parts of the 2015 BMW I3

Steering
15 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2015 BMW I3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology