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I01 · Hatchback

2016 BMW i3

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 BMW i3.

Recall campaigns
2
Owner complaints
33, mostly structure
Safety record

Recalls on the 2016 BMW i3

Recall·17V720000

Air bags: frontal

Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash.

Recall·17V088000

Fuel system: hoses

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…

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 33 owners reported

Structure10
Steering8
Electrical system4
Air bags3

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2016 BMW i3 at a glance

Trims
BaseREx
Engine
Electric Motor, 0.6L 2-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic 1-spd
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Body style
Hatchback
Browse

Other BMW i3 years

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2016 BMW i3?

Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 2016 BMW i3 with NHTSA, most often about the structure. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2016 BMW i3 reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2016 BMW i3?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2016 BMW i3 listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.