2017 BMW I3

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11753562

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

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 ID

11746860

Incident

May 30, 2026

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 ID

11741143

Incident

May 30, 2026

We have experienced a mechanical issue with the harness system. Specifically, the straps become extremely difficult to tighten or loosen over time. To adjust them, I have to pull with the full force of a 200lb adult, to the point where it literally shakes the car. Despite following all manufacturer instructions—including cleaning the adjuster area and checking for twisted straps—the problem persists. Evenflo recently closed our support case (#00609796) and sent a replacement seat, which suggests an acknowledgement of the problem. Before I return the impacted seat (as Evenflo Requested), I wanted to reach out here promptly. I am particularly concerned because this appears to be a systemic issue. I would like to include this Reddit thread of other parents experiencing the same harness strap issue: Reddit Discussion: Evenflo 360 straps hard to tighten and loosen https://www.reddit.com/r/CPST/comments/1pzus73/evenflo_360straps_hard_to_tighten_and_loosen/ A cursory look at this Reddit thread shows at least 10 separate people with this same issue. I have documented interactions with Evenflo Parentlink via email and have photos attached and video link here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ogbu8VN-45InQIfCxfnLJaeGgvzcRcRg/view?usp=sharing Thanks Matt Figler (914) 715-8954

NHTSA ID

11729647

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

After purchasing this car used, I signed up for MyBMW remote services. My account portal stated Emergency SOS call button and crash detection services were active on my car. I decided to test, and it turns out it's not, due to the issue in SIB 84 09 22. The car will just receive a call failed message, since it's trying to do voice calls in 3G, due to the improperly programmed 4G telematics unit. So BMW knows with 100% certainty this feature will not work on the car, and the car gives no advance warning in is inoperable. Yet they are still informing me in the portal that it is active. I feel if the system is inoperable without any warning, a service bulletin without a recall is not enough. How would I have known of this issue if I didn't test it myself?

NHTSA ID

11727315

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

The roof is delaminating causing a danger to my vehicle and others

NHTSA ID

11713691

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column, resulting in loss of consciousness and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with ongoing neurological issues. Only the driver’s curtain and seat airbags deployed; the steering wheel and passenger frontal airbags did not. Seatbelt Failure Analysis Seatbelts in modern vehicles like the BMW i3 include retractors and pretensioners designed to lock and tighten upon impact detection via accelerometers. Excessive slack, as described, suggests a malfunction in the pretensioner system, which failed to eliminate belt looseness during the high-G force event. This allowed forward momentum to propel the occupant, exacerbating injuries. Common issues in BMW i3 models include seatbelt twisting and retractor malfunctions, as reported in owner forums and repair services. Pretensioner failures can stem from sensor errors, mechanical wear, or manufacturing defects. In this crash’s severity, proper function should have secured the occupant, preventing ejection and secondary impacts. Airbag Failure Analysis The BMW employs a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with frontal, side, curtain, and seat airbags, triggered by crash sensors evaluating impact direction and force. Non-deployment of the passenger frontal and steering wheel airbags in a near-head-on collision indicates potential system failure. Possible causes include faulty occupant classification system (OCS) mats that misdetect presence/weight, leading to deactivation; sensor malfunctions; or wiring issues. A 2017 NHTSA recall (17V-720).

NHTSA ID

11705719

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

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. Shame on BMW if they do not cover this.

NHTSA ID

11692851

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

the High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date.

The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date.

For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusion criteria that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Vehicles that are registered in California or a State that has fully adopted the State of California PZEV(SULEV) / TZEV emission regulations (As applicable, State of registration, model, and model year dependent), the emission-relevant coverage for this component is 15 years / 150,000 miles.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.