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Electrical systemPart report

2017 BMW I3 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
15%of 53 total for the year
Median mileage
29,712miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 BMW I3, 15% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,712 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.

“A day after the recommended service. While driving on I 95 with range extender, noticed the drive train malfunction alert with rapid deceleration needing to pull to the right shoulder quickly. Bmw assist took the car to the nearest Bmw dealer, who said it was lack of electric charge, plugged the car in charger and gave it to me to head back home town. Few days later the problem again recurred. Now the car is at the dealer in home town.”

NHTSA complaint #11282837, filed 2019-11, 47,300 miles

“The windows were down and I was reaching in the car on the passenger side (door shut). My thigh made contact with the door handle and locked the car. My thigh maintained contact and the window began to roll-up. It then continued until it compressed my torso and the motor kept attempting to go up without stopping. I then pressed the internal unlock button and it stopped. The I3 I was driving was a loaner vehicle from Bmw as mine was in the shop.”

NHTSA complaint #11067161, filed 2018-02, 1,300 miles

“While driving on the freeway's hov lane (fully charged, not on the extended range), the car gave drivetrain malfunction and the propulsion died shortly after.”

NHTSA complaint #11258342, filed 2019-09, 29,712 miles

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11552488, filed 2023-10

“In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed that's just how it is. In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes the horn virtually useless in emergency situations. The horn switch fully activates... It is like there is some kind of processor involved that cannot process the signal fast enough to engage the horn. …”

NHTSA complaint #11471951, filed 2022-07

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2019646%
201817%
2017815%
2016515%
2015613%
2014611%

Other parts of the 2017 BMW I3

Other or unknown
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsAir bags
3 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 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