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Electrical systemPart report

2015 BMW I3 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
13%of 47 total for the year
Median mileage
23,790miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 BMW I3, 13% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,790 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“I turned on the car, opened the gate and put the car in reverse. I pressed the gas peddle lightly and the car flew out of the driveway, hit the gate, flew out into the street and hit a parked car. During this time, the car brakes never worked. It was as if the gas peddle was stuck and the brakes did not work to stop the car.”

NHTSA complaint #10886033, filed 2016-07, 7,580 miles

“The charging cable won't unlock from the car because of a bad actuator and software bug, and the fuel pressure sensor for the range extender failed due to corrosion. Both are known problems. Bmw has redesigned the parts, but does not make the repair before selling the cars. It is broken for the second time in a month for defects that should have been corrected before the vehicle was delivered. These cars should be recalled and all issues should be corrected.”

NHTSA complaint #10819111, filed 2016-01, 1,000 miles

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? What I am certain is that the car suddenly shutted down in the middle of the highway. After a deep inspection, the authorized dealer inspection states that there is a problem with the Electrical Motor Electronics (EME). They are telling me that the estimate for the repair is approximately $17,000. This is very similar to the symptoms reported on Recall Campaign 19v-310: Replacing The Electric Machine Electronics (EME) – 2018 BMW i3. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? …”

NHTSA complaint #11465288, filed 2022-05

“The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the particles were blowing out of the vents while activating the A/C or the heater. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11550767, filed 2023-10, 80,000 miles

“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 service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2019646%
201817%
2017815%
2016515%
2015613%
2014611%

Other parts of the 2015 BMW I3

Steering
15 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 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 27, 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