Is the 2016 Bmw I3 reliable?

The 2016 Bmw I3 has 41 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Bmw I3?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (10 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (8 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Bmw I3?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Bmw I3?

The 2016 Bmw I3 has an EPA rating of 124 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $620. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Bmw I3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Bmw I3 is approximately $2,495/year (ev-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2016 Bmw I3 qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Bmw I3 may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Bmw I3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Bmw I3 has 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 62. The most common issue is body/structure problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: rear hatch glass shattered at tail lights. 2nd time in less than a year. glass is not replaceable, so whole hatch assembly needs to be installed. very poor design and wasteful. around 2000.00 to fix. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

10 complaints

24%

• REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED AT TAIL LIGHTS. 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. GLASS IS NOT REPLACEABLE, SO WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED. VERY POOR DESIGN AND WASTEFUL. AROUND 2000.00 TO FIX
• The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard a whistling sound, and the roof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance w
• My carbon fiber composite roof is delaminating and separating. There is a risk that the degradation of the roof will become so bad that it will separate off my car while driving and may hit another car. This is a common problem with bmw i3 roofs. It is crazy that the entire roof panel can structural

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED AT TAIL LIGHTS. 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. GLASS IS NOT REPLACEABLE, SO WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED. VERY POOR DESIGN AND WASTEFUL. AROUND 2000.00 TO FIX”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Bmw I3

Based on 19 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 28K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 31K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL16/11/2017

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."

Risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Bmw I3

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$614

Per month

$51

Per mile

5.1¢

kWh/mi

0.27

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Bmw I3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,495

Full coverage / month

$208

Liability only / year

$816

vs US avg

+49%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-luxury)1.62x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2495

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw I3 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2016 I3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Bmw I3

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 41 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED AT TAIL LIGHTS. 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. GLASS IS NOT REPLACEABLE, SO WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED. VERY POOR DESIGN AND WASTEFUL. AROUND 2000.00 TO FIX
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD SPEED ABOUT 40-50 MPH, STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN. THE WHEEL DOES NOT WANT TO CENTER. IT HAPPENED RANDOMLY AND CAN'T BE REPRODUCE EASILY. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST W MONTHS. I FEEL IT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE ROAD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authorized collision center
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, BOTH WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW NORTHWEST (4011 20TH ST E, TACOMA, WA 98424,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)