2016 BMW I3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 9%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 BMW I3, 9% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 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.
“Started the car after charging it overnight and drivetrain: stop carefully and transmission malfunction appeared on the dashboard. The car has been completely fine before this.”
NHTSA complaint #11306969, filed 2020-02, 13,000 miles“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 2026-01Related 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…
- 10143558May 1, 2018SERVICE ACTION: KLE - CONVENIENCE CHARGING ELECTRONICS I01 REX: OBD relevant diagnoses of the KLE (convenience charging electronics) cannot be processed correctly because of a…
- 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 2016 BMW I3
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
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