2018 BMW i3: common problems and reliability
An average i3 year.
The best BMW i3 year. All i3 years
28 owner complaints, most about fuel/propulsion system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 i3?The 2018 BMW i3 has 28 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system and structure.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 BMW i3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other i3 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the i3?
Across the 6 i3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 26 (2019) to 104 (2017). With 28 complaints, the 2018 i3 sits below 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 2018 i3
equipment:electrical
Campaign 18V652000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
hybrid propulsion system
Campaign 19V310000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
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."
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 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the i3 against its rivals
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