2016 BMW I3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 BMW I3, 6% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engage at all. This has occurred repeatedly and creates a serious risk of being stranded or hit while merging or driving on public roads. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711282, filed 2026-01“The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11656031, filed 2025-04, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V088000Feb 9, 2017BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire…Covers: BMW I3 2014–2017
Related service bulletins
- 10205606Nov 1, 2021For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10174028Apr 1, 2020AIR CONDITIONING DOES NOT COOL: The air conditioning no longer cools the vehicle. A vehicle test reveals one or both of the following faults stored in the IHX_I1 Control Module…
- 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…
- 10153745Jan 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURETEMPERATURE SENSOR. The internal sealing of the fuel tank pressure-temperature sensor may fail.
- 10149484Oct 1, 2018SERVICE ACTION. REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURETEMPERATURE SENSOR. The internal sealing of the fuel tank pressure-temperature sensor may fail. As a result, the sensor may read an…
- 10145289Jun 1, 2018X5 PHEV, I3 REX AND I8 FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending…
- 10150962Jan 1, 2017?SERVICE ENGINE SOON (MIL) light comes on. Replace oxygen sensor before catalytic converter and injectors.
Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 BMW I3
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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