2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 BMW i3 has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2014-2017 i3 REx Fuel-Vent-Line Recall 17V-088. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BMW 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 protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
AIR BAGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 BMW i3 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2014-2017 i3 REx Fuel-Vent-Line Recall 17V-088, i3 12V Discharge Warning: ISTA Software-First Diagnosis, i3 ConnectedDrive 3G Sunset: VIN-Specific Eligibility Path. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2016 BMW i3 has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2014-2017 i3 REx Fuel-Vent-Line Recall 17V-088. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
BMW recall 17V-088 covers approximately 19,130 U.S. i3 REx vehicles produced March 5, 2014 through December 30, 2016. The fuel tank vent line can rub against the B+ cable protective sleeve, chafe through and release fuel vapor into the enclosed engine compartment, increasing fire… Severity: high.
BMW distinguishes condition-specific software faults from a failed 12V battery. SIB 61 39 14 covers a narrow early i3 REx integration-level error after charging, while SIB 61 05 20 applies to I01 vehicles only when ISTA Energy Diagnosis identifies the Controller sleep delay as th… Severity: medium.
BMW states that factory 3G telematics lost ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist service after the carrier sunset, and SIB 84 01 21 identifies VIN-specific vehicles that do not meet the requirements for a technology upgrade. A separate campaign, SIB 84 09 22, covers certain later I01 vehicle… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
