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Air bagsPart report

2017 BMW I3 Air bags Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
6%of 53 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the air bags of the 2017 BMW I3, 6% of the 53 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.

“Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column, resulting in loss of consciousness and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with ongoing neurological issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11705719, filed 2025-12

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger restraint failure/seat sensor not registering occupant. Yes, it is a available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Failure to deploy airbag or airbag may deploy on a child under weight limit to register occupancy. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. …”

NHTSA complaint #11417984, filed 2021-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201817%
201736%
2016618%
2015715%
2014815%

Other parts of the 2017 BMW I3

Other or unknown
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 BMW I3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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