BMW i3 — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have BMW i3 specifications on file for 8 model years, 2014–2021, covering saloon/sedan trims. EPA data lists a single engine, the 0.6L 2-cyl. Combined fuel economy runs from 37 to 47 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20210.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline3714———
20200.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline3714———
20190.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline3714—013
20180.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline4218—014
20170.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline4218—352
20160.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline4723—233
20150.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline4725—347
20140.6L 2-cylPremium Gasoline4725—471

Best and Worst BMW i3 Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 6 BMW i3 model years from 2014 to 2019 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 40 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2019 — 13 complaints, 0 recall campaigns
  • 2018 — 14 complaints, 0 recall campaigns
  • 2016 — 33 complaints, 2 recall campaigns

Most owner complaints

  • 2014 — 71 complaints, 4 recall campaigns
  • 2017 — 52 complaints, 3 recall campaigns
  • 2015 — 47 complaints, 3 recall campaigns

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the BMW i3 covered on this site?

We have data for 8 model years of the BMW i3, from 2014 to 2021.

What engines does the BMW i3 come with?

EPA data lists: 0.6L 2-cyl (2014–2021).

Which BMW i3 year has the best fuel economy?

The 2016 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 47 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the BMW i3 have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

No model year of this car currently has a 5-star overall NHTSA rating on record here — check the individual year pages above for the exact rating available.

Which BMW i3 model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2014 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (4), and the 2014 has the most owner complaints (71). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2018–2019. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the BMW i3?

The BMW i3 is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.

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