2017 BMW i3: common problems and reliability
One of the worst i3 years.
One of the BMW i3 years to avoid. All i3 years
104 owner complaints, most about structure. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 i3?The 2017 BMW i3 has 104 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and steering.
Safety record for the 2017 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 BMW i3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other i3 years only. How we score it
Is 2017 a good year for the i3?
Across the 6 i3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 26 (2019) to 104 (2017). With 104 complaints, the 2017 i3 sits above the model's median of 47.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2017 i3
air bags:frontal
Campaign 17V720000BMW 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."
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 17V088000BMW 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.
air bags
Campaign 16V914000BMW 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.
What owners say across generations
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by deep affection for the vehicle's unique character, driving dynamics, and innovative design.
Owner insights cover all generations of the i3. See the full i3 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used i3 listings typically run $9,275–$13,838 across 2014 to 2020 model years.
Other i3 model years
Compare every i3 year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.
Compare the i3 against its rivals
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