Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
3 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Safety Issue:
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."
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall Date: Nov 16, 2017
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall Date: Feb 9, 2017
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall Date: Dec 20, 2016
Consumer Complaints
57 ComplaintsBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
Carbon fiber Roof delaminate and risk of flying off
Corrective Action:
Carbon fiber Roof delaminate and risk of flying off
Additional Notes:
Carbon fiber Roof delaminate and risk of flying off
Mfg Campaign: 11673269
Recall Date: Jul 14, 2025
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.
Corrective Action:
The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.
Additional Notes:
The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.
Mfg Campaign: 11667003
Recall Date: Jun 15, 2025
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
This has happened twice: I was driving on the expressway and didn’t hear anything hitting my little sunroof, just suddenly noise from that general area. When I pulled over I saw that the sunroof had cracked and the largest part(s) was missing.
Corrective Action:
This has happened twice: I was driving on the expressway and didn’t hear anything hitting my little sunroof, just suddenly noise from that general area. When I pulled over I saw that the sunroof had cracked and the largest part(s) was missing.
Additional Notes:
This has happened twice: I was driving on the expressway and didn’t hear anything hitting my little sunroof, just suddenly noise from that general area. When I pulled over I saw that the sunroof had cracked and the largest part(s) was missing.
Mfg Campaign: 11604436
Recall Date: Jul 25, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Pieces of my roof flew off.
Corrective Action:
Pieces of my roof flew off.
Additional Notes:
Pieces of my roof flew off.
Mfg Campaign: 11601834
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
The vehicle has just over 35000 miles of light normal use as a second family vehicle. It developed a loud grinding noise from the etransmission that quickly progressed to a vibration. It was taken to BMW Seattle where it was diagnosed as a known issue of the main transmission bearings disintegrating due to the effect of the permanent magnet motors on the metal roller bearings. The bearings were quietly modified by BMW for the 2019 model year due to this in an effort to mitigate the problem and subsequently BMW abandoned the permanent magnet motor technology due to this . This information was from the various BMW service advisors. The repair is quoted as $7400 to replece the entire e transmission to the new design. If unrepaired there is a " significant risk the transmission will jam at highway speed causing a loss of control due to rear wheel lockup". Calls to BMW NA about this issue were replied with "BMW is unwilling to assist the customer with this issue." It is unconscionable that a vehicle with 35000m and a 4 year 50 000m warranty would have its transmission disintegrate with the potential of a catastrophic accident under light use due to a known manufacturer defect and BMW would not even attempt to assist their customers when they have the rectification available.
Corrective Action:
The vehicle has just over 35000 miles of light normal use as a second family vehicle. It developed a loud grinding noise from the etransmission that quickly progressed to a vibration. It was taken to BMW Seattle where it was diagnosed as a known issue of the main transmission bearings disintegrating due to the effect of the permanent magnet motors on the metal roller bearings. The bearings were quietly modified by BMW for the 2019 model year due to this in an effort to mitigate the problem and subsequently BMW abandoned the permanent magnet motor technology due to this . This information was from the various BMW service advisors. The repair is quoted as $7400 to replece the entire e transmission to the new design. If unrepaired there is a " significant risk the transmission will jam at highway speed causing a loss of control due to rear wheel lockup". Calls to BMW NA about this issue were replied with "BMW is unwilling to assist the customer with this issue." It is unconscionable that a vehicle with 35000m and a 4 year 50 000m warranty would have its transmission disintegrate with the potential of a catastrophic accident under light use due to a known manufacturer defect and BMW would not even attempt to assist their customers when they have the rectification available.
Additional Notes:
The vehicle has just over 35000 miles of light normal use as a second family vehicle. It developed a loud grinding noise from the etransmission that quickly progressed to a vibration. It was taken to BMW Seattle where it was diagnosed as a known issue of the main transmission bearings disintegrating due to the effect of the permanent magnet motors on the metal roller bearings. The bearings were quietly modified by BMW for the 2019 model year due to this in an effort to mitigate the problem and subsequently BMW abandoned the permanent magnet motor technology due to this . This information was from the various BMW service advisors. The repair is quoted as $7400 to replece the entire e transmission to the new design. If unrepaired there is a " significant risk the transmission will jam at highway speed causing a loss of control due to rear wheel lockup". Calls to BMW NA about this issue were replied with "BMW is unwilling to assist the customer with this issue." It is unconscionable that a vehicle with 35000m and a 4 year 50 000m warranty would have its transmission disintegrate with the potential of a catastrophic accident under light use due to a known manufacturer defect and BMW would not even attempt to assist their customers when they have the rectification available.
Mfg Campaign: 11592432
Recall Date: Jun 4, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was onsite a couple of minutes after the car started smoking. It took 4 fire departments approximately 2 hours to extinguish this fire. A car should not be designed in a way in which an oil cap can cause the complete destruction of a home that quickly putting people’s lives at risk. The car was picked up by Geico, so we do not know if it is still available for investigation, but the fire investigators did confirm the cause was the missing oil cap. At this time, ourselves and three of our neighbors are unable to return to their homes. We are looking at least another year before being able to return. We lost everything in our home along with the car. This included many items which can never be replaced. This BMW i3 put ourselves, the neighbors and the multitude of firefighters this took to put this fire out lives at risk.
Corrective Action:
A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was onsite a couple of minutes after the car started smoking. It took 4 fire departments approximately 2 hours to extinguish this fire. A car should not be designed in a way in which an oil cap can cause the complete destruction of a home that quickly putting people’s lives at risk. The car was picked up by Geico, so we do not know if it is still available for investigation, but the fire investigators did confirm the cause was the missing oil cap. At this time, ourselves and three of our neighbors are unable to return to their homes. We are looking at least another year before being able to return. We lost everything in our home along with the car. This included many items which can never be replaced. This BMW i3 put ourselves, the neighbors and the multitude of firefighters this took to put this fire out lives at risk.
Additional Notes:
A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was onsite a couple of minutes after the car started smoking. It took 4 fire departments approximately 2 hours to extinguish this fire. A car should not be designed in a way in which an oil cap can cause the complete destruction of a home that quickly putting people’s lives at risk. The car was picked up by Geico, so we do not know if it is still available for investigation, but the fire investigators did confirm the cause was the missing oil cap. At this time, ourselves and three of our neighbors are unable to return to their homes. We are looking at least another year before being able to return. We lost everything in our home along with the car. This included many items which can never be replaced. This BMW i3 put ourselves, the neighbors and the multitude of firefighters this took to put this fire out lives at risk.
Mfg Campaign: 11588266
Recall Date: May 11, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
Message saying driver restraint failure, air bags may not deploy properly. Random event, has been an issue with bmw i3 models.
Corrective Action:
Message saying driver restraint failure, air bags may not deploy properly. Random event, has been an issue with bmw i3 models.
Additional Notes:
Message saying driver restraint failure, air bags may not deploy properly. Random event, has been an issue with bmw i3 models.
Mfg Campaign: 11582488
Recall Date: Apr 11, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.
Corrective Action:
I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.
Additional Notes:
I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.
Mfg Campaign: 11581534
Recall Date: Apr 7, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Roof is bubbling, wrinkling, and looks like it is de-laminating
Corrective Action:
Roof is bubbling, wrinkling, and looks like it is de-laminating
Additional Notes:
Roof is bubbling, wrinkling, and looks like it is de-laminating
Mfg Campaign: 11567737
Recall Date: Jan 25, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Corrective Action:
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Additional Notes:
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Mfg Campaign: 11566499
Recall Date: Jan 19, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Potential Consequences:
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Corrective Action:
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Additional Notes:
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Mfg Campaign: 11566499
Recall Date: Jan 19, 2024
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
The roof of my car is delaminating. It's discoloring and developing bubbles. I looked online and found this is a common issue with the vehicle. I believe this may be a structural concern considering the cars body is composite and the roof contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Not to mention the danger to others on the freeway from large chunks of roof blowing off and hitting vehicles. (not from my vehicle but from other complaints I've read)
Corrective Action:
The roof of my car is delaminating. It's discoloring and developing bubbles. I looked online and found this is a common issue with the vehicle. I believe this may be a structural concern considering the cars body is composite and the roof contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Not to mention the danger to others on the freeway from large chunks of roof blowing off and hitting vehicles. (not from my vehicle but from other complaints I've read)
Additional Notes:
The roof of my car is delaminating. It's discoloring and developing bubbles. I looked online and found this is a common issue with the vehicle. I believe this may be a structural concern considering the cars body is composite and the roof contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Not to mention the danger to others on the freeway from large chunks of roof blowing off and hitting vehicles. (not from my vehicle but from other complaints I've read)
Mfg Campaign: 11556785
Recall Date: Nov 25, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Corrective Action:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Additional Notes:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11552488
Recall Date: Oct 29, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
SEATS
Potential Consequences:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Corrective Action:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Additional Notes:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11552488
Recall Date: Oct 29, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Corrective Action:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Additional Notes:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. BMW was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local BMW dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in March 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “Passenger Restraint System: Malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center.” We took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot.gov and BMW and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11552488
Recall Date: Oct 29, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Clear coat on the roof is bubbling and peeling. Could potentially come off as a large sheet and fly off hitting another vehicle or obstructing their view.
Corrective Action:
Clear coat on the roof is bubbling and peeling. Could potentially come off as a large sheet and fly off hitting another vehicle or obstructing their view.
Additional Notes:
Clear coat on the roof is bubbling and peeling. Could potentially come off as a large sheet and fly off hitting another vehicle or obstructing their view.
Mfg Campaign: 11539593
Recall Date: Aug 19, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
In extreme heat (119 temp outside) BMW charger was plugged into port and melted. Could have caused a fire.
Corrective Action:
In extreme heat (119 temp outside) BMW charger was plugged into port and melted. Could have caused a fire.
Additional Notes:
In extreme heat (119 temp outside) BMW charger was plugged into port and melted. Could have caused a fire.
Mfg Campaign: 11539266
Recall Date: Aug 17, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult nearest service center." We brought the car to our local BMW service center, and they ran a diagnostic (attached as PDF file). The issue is a faulty EME, which could be as much as an $11K repair. Several model years prior to 2017 i3 have been recalled by BMW for this exact issue. We cannot afford an $11K repair, so hoping BMW will recall 2017 and beyond, as this is a major safety hazard. Thankfully we were stuck in gridlock traffic and were not moving very fast (under 5 miles per hour) when the car stopped. But at a high rate of speed, this could have cause a catastrophic accident. We have two small children and will not be driving with them in this car until the issue is resolved.
Corrective Action:
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult nearest service center." We brought the car to our local BMW service center, and they ran a diagnostic (attached as PDF file). The issue is a faulty EME, which could be as much as an $11K repair. Several model years prior to 2017 i3 have been recalled by BMW for this exact issue. We cannot afford an $11K repair, so hoping BMW will recall 2017 and beyond, as this is a major safety hazard. Thankfully we were stuck in gridlock traffic and were not moving very fast (under 5 miles per hour) when the car stopped. But at a high rate of speed, this could have cause a catastrophic accident. We have two small children and will not be driving with them in this car until the issue is resolved.
Additional Notes:
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult nearest service center." We brought the car to our local BMW service center, and they ran a diagnostic (attached as PDF file). The issue is a faulty EME, which could be as much as an $11K repair. Several model years prior to 2017 i3 have been recalled by BMW for this exact issue. We cannot afford an $11K repair, so hoping BMW will recall 2017 and beyond, as this is a major safety hazard. Thankfully we were stuck in gridlock traffic and were not moving very fast (under 5 miles per hour) when the car stopped. But at a high rate of speed, this could have cause a catastrophic accident. We have two small children and will not be driving with them in this car until the issue is resolved.
Mfg Campaign: 11503225
Recall Date: Jan 23, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult nearest service center." We brought the car to our local BMW service center, and they ran a diagnostic (attached as PDF file). The issue is a faulty EME, which could be as much as an $11K repair. Several model years prior to 2017 i3 have been recalled by BMW for this exact issue. We cannot afford an $11K repair, so hoping BMW will recall 2017 and beyond, as this is a major safety hazard. Thankfully we were stuck in gridlock traffic and were not moving very fast (under 5 miles per hour) when the car stopped. But at a high rate of speed, this could have cause a catastrophic accident. We have two small children and will not be driving with them in this car until the issue is resolved.
Corrective Action:
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult nearest service center." We brought the car to our local BMW service center, and they ran a diagnostic (attached as PDF file). The issue is a faulty EME, which could be as much as an $11K repair. Several model years prior to 2017 i3 have been recalled by BMW for this exact issue. We cannot afford an $11K repair, so hoping BMW will recall 2017 and beyond, as this is a major safety hazard. Thankfully we were stuck in gridlock traffic and were not moving very fast (under 5 miles per hour) when the car stopped. But at a high rate of speed, this could have cause a catastrophic accident. We have two small children and will not be driving with them in this car until the issue is resolved.
Additional Notes:
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle's electric motor suddenly died. Because this is an electric vehicle, the car came to a sudden and abrupt stop, with all the wheels locking up. The car would not shift into drive or neutral or reverse. It effectively died, with the only power coming from the 12-volt battery to power the dashboard and interior lights. It was effectively inoperable. The vehicle displayed the following error message: "DRIVETRAIN: only electric drive possible, limited driving range, continued driving possible, consult nearest service center." We brought the car to our local BMW service center, and they ran a diagnostic (attached as PDF file). The issue is a faulty EME, which could be as much as an $11K repair. Several model years prior to 2017 i3 have been recalled by BMW for this exact issue. We cannot afford an $11K repair, so hoping BMW will recall 2017 and beyond, as this is a major safety hazard. Thankfully we were stuck in gridlock traffic and were not moving very fast (under 5 miles per hour) when the car stopped. But at a high rate of speed, this could have cause a catastrophic accident. We have two small children and will not be driving with them in this car until the issue is resolved.
Mfg Campaign: 11503225
Recall Date: Jan 23, 2023
Bmw Of North America, Llc
Defect Description:
TIRES:MARKINGS
Potential Consequences:
The UTQG ratings on these tires are fraudulent. The ratings give an A grade for temperature over 115 but these tires wear out rapidly in Arizona. They also rate the tire wear at 400 which is also fraudulent. On my own vehicle I get less than 11,000 miles on each set and I’ve seen online complaints as low as 6,000 miles to failure. This is consumer fraud and tires that wear down this rapidly are a safety hazard.
Corrective Action:
The UTQG ratings on these tires are fraudulent. The ratings give an A grade for temperature over 115 but these tires wear out rapidly in Arizona. They also rate the tire wear at 400 which is also fraudulent. On my own vehicle I get less than 11,000 miles on each set and I’ve seen online complaints as low as 6,000 miles to failure. This is consumer fraud and tires that wear down this rapidly are a safety hazard.
Additional Notes:
The UTQG ratings on these tires are fraudulent. The ratings give an A grade for temperature over 115 but these tires wear out rapidly in Arizona. They also rate the tire wear at 400 which is also fraudulent. On my own vehicle I get less than 11,000 miles on each set and I’ve seen online complaints as low as 6,000 miles to failure. This is consumer fraud and tires that wear down this rapidly are a safety hazard.
Mfg Campaign: 11482487
Recall Date: Sep 1, 2022
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