2017 BMW I3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 23%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the body and structure of the 2017 BMW I3, 23% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 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.
“On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has to be replaced and it is costly.”
NHTSA complaint #11746860, filed 2026-06“I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.”
NHTSA complaint #11581534, filed 2024-04“The roof of my car is delaminating. It's discoloring and developing bubbles. I looked online and found this is a common issue with the vehicle. I believe this may be a structural concern considering the cars body is composite and the roof contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Not to mention the danger to others on the freeway from large chunks of roof blowing off and hitting vehicles. (not from my vehicle but from other complaints I've read)”
NHTSA complaint #11556785, filed 2023-11“I bought the car new in 2017. Last summer, I noticed bubbles on the roof. On May 30, 2026, as I was driving 65 mph on the NJ Turnpike, I heard sounds on the roof like hard rain but it was not raining. I saw large sheets flying off my roof towards other cars, and some flying sheets were large enough to obscure a windshield. When I stopped, I saw more sheets hanging loose from the roof and I peeled off what I could. I think this is dangerous and understand it is common on BMW i3s (which are made of carbon fiber) and other BMW cars.”
NHTSA complaint #11741143, filed 2026-05“The carbon fiber roof is bubbling and disintegrating. I have one section behind the passenger door that is the size of my FULL hand that is in a circle shape where the roof is scaling and peeling. Each day that passes, the known spot is getting bigger and bigger. It's embarrassing to see this happening to my car and makes my care look worthless. Definite eye sore. I currently have the (1) i3 EV that is the family car, (2) M3's mine is a convertible and the other is my husbands, of course, (1) M1 my son's and (1) M235 I which is my daughters. We are definitely a BMW family. …”
NHTSA complaint #11692851, filed 2025-10Related service bulletins
- 10164003Jul 1, 2019SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN OPERATING THE SIDE WINDOWS: A squeaking noise is heard when operating either side window. Interference between the side window glass and the B-Pillar seal.
- 10160343Apr 1, 2019OUTER DOOR HANDLE LOOSE. One or both front outer door handles are loose. Improper tightening torque during vehicle production.
- 10160260Apr 1, 2019OUTER DOOR HANDLE LOOSE. One or both front outer door handles are loose. Improper tightening torque during vehicle production.
- 10142933Jan 1, 2018TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked.
- 10147022Aug 1, 2016TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked. Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion. Usually after stopping, such as a traffic…
- 10151356Jun 1, 2016Service Action: Replace the Motor Mount Screws. A sudden loss of traction while accelerating sharply may damage the engine mounts.
- 10151134Feb 1, 2016"A Delivery Stop has been issued on i01 (i3 Battery Electric Vehicle) produced from December 09, 2015 to January 22, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with a sunroof as part of…
- 10151008Jan 1, 2016SI B36 04 14 Wheels and Tires January 2016 Technical Service. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 36 04 14 dated September 2014. SUBJECT: Rolling Tire Noise…
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2017 BMW I3
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 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