2016 Bmw I3 Safety Report

2016 BMW i3 shows structural roof defects, steering issues, and airbag concerns despite limited crash test data.

32Complaints

2Recalls

45/100Reliability Score

3Crash Reports

1Injuries

Most reported components: Structure (9)Steering (8)Electrical System,Air Bags (2)Power Train (2)Air Bags (2)Vehicle Speed Control (2)Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Fuel System, Gasoline,Air Bags,Engine (1)Structure,Unknown Or Other (1)Electrical System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Bmw I3

The 2016 BMW i3 presents a mixed safety picture, with notable concerns despite a relatively low number of overall complaints. With 32 total complaints, 3 crashes, and 1 injury reported to NHTSA, the vehicle has not been extensively crash-tested by NHTSA, resulting in 'N/A' ratings across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). This lack of official crash test data makes it difficult to assess its performance in collisions comprehensively. However, one complaint specifically mentions an airbag non-deployment in a frontal collision, which is a serious concern given the vehicle's safety systems.

A significant pattern in complaints revolves around the vehicle's structure, particularly the roof. Nine complaints directly address the roof's delamination, bubbling, peeling, and even complete detachment while driving, indicating a widespread and potentially hazardous manufacturing defect. Another prominent issue is steering, with eight complaints detailing intermittent power steering loss, difficulty maneuvering, and the steering wheel failing to return to center, which poses a clear risk to vehicle control. The Range Extender (REx) models also show a pattern of sudden propulsion loss at low states of charge, forcing drivers to pull over, sometimes in traffic.

Two recalls have been issued for the 2016 BMW i3. The first recall (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) addresses a risk of increased neck injury for unbelted, small adult drivers in frontal impacts, highlighting a potential flaw in the airbag system's effectiveness. The second recall (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) specifically affects REx models, warning of a fuel vapor leak that could increase fire risk. While the total number of complaints is low, the nature of the recurring issues, particularly the structural integrity of the roof and steering malfunctions, suggests significant safety vulnerabilities that potential owners should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Bmw I3 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Bmw I3

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Bmw I3:

Issue	Severity	Frequency	Typical Mileage
Roof Delamination And Peeling The carbon fiber roof material bubbles, peels, and delaminates, potentially leading to water intrusion or complete detachment while driving, as reported in 9 complaints.	High	Common	unknown miles
Intermittent Power Steering Loss/Malfunction Steering becomes heavy, difficult to maneuver, and fails to return to center, often intermittently, as detailed in 8 complaints.	High	Common	unknown miles
Sudden Loss Of Propulsion (Rex Models) Range Extender (REx) models experience abrupt and complete loss of motive power at very low states of charge, forcing drivers to pull over.	High	Occasional	0-50000 miles
Airbag System Malfunction/Non-Deployment Airbag warning lights illuminate, systems deactivate, or airbags fail to deploy in a collision, as noted in complaints and a recall.	High	Occasional	unknown miles
Fuel System Leak (Rex Models) Fuel tank vent line may rub, causing a fuel vapor leak and increasing fire risk, addressed by a recall.	High	Rare	unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Bmw I3:

Structure 28% of complaints

Predominantly related to the roof's delamination, bubbling, peeling, and potential detachment.

Steering 25% of complaints

Issues include intermittent loss of power steering, difficulty turning, and the steering wheel not returning to center.

Electrical System,Air Bags 6% of complaints

Airbag warning lights, system deactivation, and non-deployment in crashes.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Sudden loss of propulsion, particularly in Range Extender models at low charge.

Vehicle Speed Control 6% of complaints

Cruise control disengaging or slamming on brakes unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Bmw I3

Is the 2016 BMW I3 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 BMW i3 has not received official crash test ratings, making a comprehensive safety assessment difficult. However, there are significant concerns regarding structural integrity (roof), steering malfunctions, and airbag system issues, including a recall for frontal airbag performance and complaints of non-deployment.

What are common problems with the 2016 BMW I3?

The most reported issues for the 2016 BMW i3 are related to the vehicle's STRUCTURE (28% of complaints), specifically the roof delaminating and peeling. STEERING problems account for 25% of complaints, including intermittent power steering loss. Other issues include sudden loss of propulsion in REx models and airbag system malfunctions.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 BMW I3?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2016 BMW i3. One addresses a risk of increased neck injury for unbelted, small adult drivers due to frontal airbag performance. The second recall, specific to REx models, concerns a fuel tank vent line that could rub and cause a fuel vapor leak, increasing fire risk.

Does the 2016 BMW I3 have issues with its roof?

Yes, the 2016 BMW i3 has a common and severe issue with its roof. Nine complaints to NHTSA describe the carbon fiber roof bubbling, peeling, delaminating, and in one instance, detaching while driving, indicating a significant structural defect.

What should I know about the steering in a 2016 BMW I3?

Owners have reported significant steering problems, with 8 complaints detailing intermittent loss of power steering, difficulty maneuvering, and the steering wheel failing to return to center. These issues can occur at various speeds and pose a safety risk.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the unrated crash test performance and recurring severe issues like roof delamination and steering malfunctions, exercise caution; prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the roof and steering system, and verify all recall repairs have been completed, especially for REx models.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Bmw I3

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Bmw I3. The data includes 32 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.