2015 BMW I3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 15%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2015 BMW I3, 15% of the 47 complaints for this model year.
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.
“When driving down the interstate the carbon fiber roof suddenly delaminated of its top layer causing the cars behind me to have to slam on the brakes as chunks of carbon fiber flew off the car. This is a known issue with the BMW carbon fiber roofs that is worse on the i3 because of instead of a weave it is forged carbon.”
NHTSA complaint #11695130, filed 2025-10“The roof has delaminated and is causing leaks within the main cabin yes available for inspection upon request. The structural integrity of the roof is no longer intact and only getting worse. Yes. The problem has been presented to bmw to no avail. BMW does not provide any means to repair nor will acknowledge the issue. Original the roof material got one area of bubbling and within a month or so it had spread throughout the remainder of the roof.”
NHTSA complaint #11539390, filed 2023-08“Carbon fiber roof panel is bubbling and coming apart. BMW reports this is a structural component of the car and is designed to take impact stresses, however my vehicle and others, the roof is deteriorating and BMW does not acknowledge the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11539180, filed 2023-08“The carbon fiber roof is delaminating. The outer layer is pulling away from the base layer. I understand that this is a structural panel. No lights messages or warnings. The problem is very common with this vehicle. It has not been inspected.”
NHTSA complaint #11539543, filed 2023-08“The carbon fiber roof of my 2015 is de-laminating and the resin coating is bubbling. BMW knows its an issue for all I3's without a sun roof and with Carbon fiber roofs and won't fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11539524, filed 2023-08Related service bulletins
- 10164003Jul 1, 2019SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN OPERATING THE SIDE WINDOWS: A squeaking noise is heard when operating either side window. Interference between the side window glass and the B-Pillar seal.
- 10160343Apr 1, 2019OUTER DOOR HANDLE LOOSE. One or both front outer door handles are loose. Improper tightening torque during vehicle production.
- 10160260Apr 1, 2019OUTER DOOR HANDLE LOOSE. One or both front outer door handles are loose. Improper tightening torque during vehicle production.
- 10142933Jan 1, 2018TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked.
- 10147022Aug 1, 2016TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked. Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion. Usually after stopping, such as a traffic…
- 10151356Jun 1, 2016Service Action: Replace the Motor Mount Screws. A sudden loss of traction while accelerating sharply may damage the engine mounts.
- 10151134Feb 1, 2016"A Delivery Stop has been issued on i01 (i3 Battery Electric Vehicle) produced from December 09, 2015 to January 22, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with a sunroof as part of…
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2015 BMW I3
15 complaintsAir bags
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 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