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."
Safety risk
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
19,130
Reported to NHTSA
2017-02-09
Owners notified
2017-03-25
Defect description
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.
Safety risk
A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
Component
Complaints
Median mileage
Structure: body
12
8,744 mi
Air bags
8
40,000 mi
Steering
8
28,000 mi
Electrical system
7
29,000 mi
Power train
4
13,000 mi
Engine
3
40,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline
2
40,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
2
—
Unknown or other
2
35 mi
Vehicle speed control
2
50 mi
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
1
57,000 mi
Service brakes
1
20,000 mi
The 2015 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2017 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.