2015 BMW I3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 BMW I3, 9% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles.
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.
“Our car would not make it up the hill during a rainstorm on the highway in camarillo, ca. It went from 65 down to 45. It happened to us twice on this trip. We were using the range extender. We have videos the vehicle losing power.”
NHTSA complaint #10946914, filed 2017-01, 14,000 miles“The car suddenly slows to 5mph under some conditions. This can be easily avoided by returning programming to international. While driving my car home in winter in rain I need to have heat, wiper and defroster on. My house is in hills. Unfortunately on return trip my battery in winter is depleted and the onboard gas engine generator is unable to keep up with hill climb and needed heating and wiper. The car will drop from 55mph to 5mph without warning. There is no automatic flasher or any other item to warn other drivers of my problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11230159, filed 2019-07, 29,000 miles“I was driving uphill on a winding, narrow highway, California State Route 18, when the range extender kicked in and I had a sudden loss of power. I could not maintain vehicle speed. It was terrifying. I was alone. I didn't know what to do. I turned on my hazard lights and I pulled over every time vehicles came up behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #11488682, filed 2022-10“The contact owns a 2015 Bmw I3. While driving approximately 70 MPH, on an extended range, the speed decreased to below 60 MPH and completely lost acceleration. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 9,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10820554, filed 2016-01, 9,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10174009Apr 1, 2020TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from…
- 10174008Apr 1, 2020SPORADIC REDUCTION OF STEERING ASSISTANCE: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B32 11 19 dated October 2019. The driver notices a reduction of steering…
- 10161550May 1, 2019The electrical machine electronics (EME) Printed Circuit Board (PCB) may not have been produced to specifications. In the event that the EME detects this condition it will shut…
- 10142937Dec 1, 2017LACK OF POWER OR DRIVING READINESS CANNOT BE ESTABLISHED: Drive parameters (speed and torque) may be restricted.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2015 BMW I3
15 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 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 29, 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