2015 BMW I8 Owner Complaints

I purchased a 2015 BMW i8 (salvage title) from Parkline Motors. The vehicle history (Carfax) disclosed prior front/right damage, which I accepted. However, the dealership failed to disclose critical safety-related defects associated with that damage. Shortly after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), which controls the airbag system. This is a serious safety issue, as it can affect proper airbag deployment. I also experienced a persistent alarm system malfunction that prevented me from locking the vehicle without triggering the alarm. When I took the vehicle to BMW for inspection, I was informed that the SRS malfunction was directly related to the prior accident damage. This indicates the issue existed prior to sale and should have been identified and disclosed by the dealership. I promptly notified Parkline Motors. They refused to take responsibility for the SRS safety defect and only offered limited assistance regarding the alarm system. The SRS issue remains unresolved and poses a significant safety risk. Parkline Motors engaged in: •Failure to disclose known material safety defects •Sale of a vehicle in unsafe condition •Negligent or deceptive business practices

NHTSA ID

11734106

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently, the AC compressor in my BMW i8 failed catastrophically. Initially, the repair estimate was $4,000, which I approved. However, the next day, I received a revised estimate for $26,000 due to additional problems. This sudden increase in repair costs, along with the lack of clear communication from BMW, has been extremely frustrating. What is most concerning is the potential safety hazard posed by this failure. The AC system in the BMW i8 is integrated with the battery cooling system. Without a functioning AC, the batteries can overheat, which could lead to fires or other catastrophic events. This poses a significant risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to others around the vehicle. Despite contacting BMW Genius and being assigned a case manager, I was told that BMW would not assist with the repair due to the car's age, even though it only has 30,000 miles. The lack of empathy and support from both the dealership and BMW corporate has been disappointing. Given the potential safety risks associated with this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly. This is a known problem with the BMW i8, as evidenced by numerous complaints online. It is crucial that this issue is addressed to prevent any potential harm. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am available to provide any further information or documentation required for your investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11601200

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

VEHICLE IS SAYING CHASSIS STABILIZATION ERROR WHICH I BELIEVE IS THE SAME AS DYNAMIC STABILIZATION. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND MY MAKE YEAR AND MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM. THE BMW DEALERSHIP NEAR ME IS REQUESTING 2,500$ TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE. WHILE I STARTED MY VEHICLE ONE MORNING THE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS NOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT FIRST SAYS INITIALIZING STABILIZATION AND THEN IT SAYS MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID

11362590

Incident

Sep 25, 2020

Mileage

28,000 mi

WHEN I DRING IN TO STREET FROM PARKING LOT, THIS VEHICLE DO NOT SPEED UP, IT IS STOP , NOT MOVING AT ALL FOR ABOUT 3 SECOND THAN KICK UP FAST. IT HAPPEN SOME TIMES NOT EVERY DAY, I WENT TO DEALERSHIP FOR FIX IT LIKE 4 TIME BUT THEY CAN NOT DUPULICATE THE PROBLEM AND CHECK THE SYSTEM BUT IT CAME OUT EVERYTHING NORMAL. BUT I HAVE THOSE PROBLEM LIKE ONE EVERY MONTH SPECIALLY WHEN I'M DRIVING LOW SPEED.

NHTSA ID

11004660

Incident

Apr 13, 2017

Mileage

10,860 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW I8. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS EXTREME ENGINE HEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,600.

NHTSA ID

10876098

Incident

Jun 22, 2016

Mileage

2,600 mi