2015 BMW I8

Recalls

1 recall names the 2015 BMW I8. Newest first.

• Electronic stability control (esc)

  Dec 28, 2015NHTSA 15V88200016 vehicles

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 i8 vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Improperly drilled holes within the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) hydraulic unit may restrict one or more pistons impairing the DSC functions, including braking.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Impaired DSC functionality may negatively impact vehicle handling and braking and increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the DSC hydraulic unit, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system2
2. Engine2
3. Air bags1
4. Electronic stability control (esc)1
5. Seat belts1

Latest complaints

• Apr 27, 2026CA
  Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
  I purchased a 2015 BMW i8 (salvage title) from Parkline Motors. The vehicle history (Carfax) disclosed prior front/right damage, which I accepted. However, the dealership failed to disclose critical safety-related defects associated with that damage. Shortly after taking possession of the vehicle…

  I purchased a 2015 BMW i8 (salvage title) from Parkline Motors. The vehicle history (Carfax) disclosed prior front/right damage, which I accepted. However, the dealership failed to disclose critical safety-related defects associated with that damage. Shortly after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), which controls the airbag system. This is a serious safety issue, as it can affect proper airbag deployment. I also experienced a persistent alarm system malfunction that prevented me from locking the vehicle without triggering the alarm. When I took the vehicle to BMW for inspection, I was informed that the SRS malfunction was directly related to the prior accident damage. This indicates the issue existed prior to sale and should have been identified and disclosed by the dealership. I promptly notified Parkline Motors. They refused to take responsibility for the SRS safety defect and only offered limited assistance regarding the alarm system. The SRS issue remains unresolved and poses a significant safety risk. Parkline Motors engaged in: •Failure to disclose known material safety defects •Sale of a vehicle in unsafe condition •Negligent or deceptive business practices

• Jul 11, 2024GA
  Electrical system
  I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently, the AC compressor in my BMW i8 failed…

  I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently, the AC compressor in my BMW i8 failed catastrophically. Initially, the repair estimate was $4,000, which I approved. However, the next day, I received a revised estimate for $26,000 due to additional problems. This sudden increase in repair costs, along with the lack of clear communication from BMW, has been extremely frustrating. What is most concerning is the potential safety hazard posed by this failure. The AC system in the BMW i8 is integrated with the battery cooling system. Without a functioning AC, the batteries can overheat, which could lead to fires or other catastrophic events. This poses a significant risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to others around the vehicle. Despite contacting BMW Genius and being assigned a case manager, I was told that BMW would not assist with the repair due to the car's age, even though it only has 30,000 miles. The lack of empathy and support from both the dealership and BMW corporate has been disappointing. Given the potential safety risks associated with this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly. This is a known problem with the BMW i8, as evidenced by numerous complaints online. It is crucial that this issue is addressed to prevent any potential harm. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am available to provide any further information or documentation required for your investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• Oct 3, 2020TX28,000 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc)
  Vehicle IS saying chassis stabilization error which I believe IS the same as dynamic stabilization. I did some research and have found my make year and model was recalled for the specific problem. The BMW dealership near me IS requesting 2,500$ to fix this problem when it IS suppose to be free of…

  Vehicle IS saying chassis stabilization error which I believe IS the same as dynamic stabilization. I did some research and have found my make year and model was recalled for the specific problem. The BMW dealership near me IS requesting 2,500$ to fix this problem when it IS suppose to be free of charge. While I started my vehicle one morning the light came on. It was not while I was driving. It first says initializing stabilization and then it says malfunction.

• Jul 11, 2017CA10,860 mi
  Engine

  When I dring in to street from parking lot, this vehicle do not speed up, it IS stop , not moving at all for about 3 second than kick up fast. It happen some times not every day, I went to dealership for fix it like 4 time but they can not dupulicate the problem and check the system but it came out everything normal. But I have those problem like one every month specially when I'm driving low speed.

• Jun 23, 2016MO2,600 mi
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2015 BMW I8. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and a warning light indicated that there was extreme engine heat. The contact pulled the vehicle off the road and was able to restart it, but the failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was…

  TL* the contact owns a 2015 BMW I8. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and a warning light indicated that there was extreme engine heat. The contact pulled the vehicle off the road and was able to restart it, but the failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, but the details of the failure were not provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 2,600.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Pedestrian alert sounds

  DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Recall 22V063000
  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…

  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…

  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010892The High-Voltage (HV) Battery AssemblysCell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty fordefects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles asdetermined from the original in-service/first delivery date.
• 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
• 10249018At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.
• 10214990The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
• 10204660The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Cockpit Plus. This uses map North America LIVE. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
• 10200487TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
• 10184584Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
• 10181231BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
• 10179009NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier.
• 10178996TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
• 10176377CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation.
• 10176363TANK VENTILATION AND MIXTURE CONTROL FAULTS STORED IN THE DME: The Engine Malfunction Warning is illuminated and one or more of the following faults are stored in the DME. All models: FC 191C02 - Fuel tank ventilation system 2nd discharge point: malfunction FC 195014 - Differential pressure sensor tank vent valve signal: fixed FC 118001 - Mixture control: mixture too lean FC 118401 - Mixture control: mixture too lean large deviation I01 only: FC 124103 - Mixture control: mixture too lean FC 124101 - Mixture control: Mixture lean large deviation CAUSE Internal mechanical defect in the tank ventilation valve. The defect can also result in a very loud clicking noise when the valve is cycling.
• 10175270DIAGNOSING NON FUNCTIONING eDRIVE: Vehicle will not go into "eDrive". No pertinent electric drivetrain fault codes to assist with diagnosis. "eDrive" may be greyed-out in the Central Information Display (CID) and is not selectable. MSA deactivation. 12 Volt battery failure. Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) failure.
• 10174320CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is being published because vehicles are down for an extended period of time when researching system failures with ConnectedDrive or BMW Assist. Will assist you both in identifying the issue and providing technical support. CAUSE Not enough information is available for BMW NA engineers to assist the technician in diagnosing the root cause.
• 10174032AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system.
• 10174030VEHICLE SOUND GENERATOR IS DIFFERENT AND LOUDER AFTER PROGRAMMING: Vehicles sound is different and louder after programming to an Integration level (I-level) between I001-1911-500 and I001-19-11-556. Software in the Vehicle Sound Generator (VSG).
• 10174023CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES FOR BRAKE SUSPENSION AND AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: Multiple check control messages (CCM) can display for brake suspension and air bag system malfunction. The customer may also complain about any of the following: Engine can no longer be switched off Drive position (D) cannot be engaged on the gear selector switch (GWS) Reduction of steering assist After an engine emergency shut-off (either a prolonged long press; or 3 consecutive short presses of the Start/Stop button) and the vehicle going to sleep (identifiable by the lighting of the "Start/Stop button") everything resumes normal functionality and the CCM messages no longer appear.
• 10174019CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B61 05 20 dated February 2020. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation.
• 10174015TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
• 10174009TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12. Microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs.
• 10172510SAFETY BELT WARNING GONG SOUNDS AFTER UNBUCKLING WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. After a vehicle has been programmed to an I-level greater than 19-11-5xx and lower than I-level 20-03-530; the safety belt (aka seat belt) acoustic warning sounds when in Park (engine running) and the safety belt is unbuckled. The chime/gong lasts for up to 1 minute 40 seconds. The customer only expects the acoustic warning when the vehicle is moving and the safety belt is not buckled. The acoustic warning can occur when the seat is occupied and the safety belt buckle is opened on the driver's or passenger's side. Software in the ACSM4 Control Unit.
• 10172497CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER. A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation.
• 10169468Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. A non-approved washer fluid was used that is silicone-based. Silicone-based fluids are not compatible with the contactless capacitive level sensor. Fluids that contain a silicone additive are normally colored other than blue.
• 10169461SERVICE ACTION: INSPECT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL RIM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. Vehicles delivered with wheel rim style 470 (shown) have directional wheels specifically for the left and right side of the vehicle. An incorrect heat treatment has been applied to batches of the right rear rim and may have a crack in the spoke of the wheel rim. Visual or audible perceptions may be noted by the customer. Error in the manufacturing process of the right rear wheel rim.
• 10167997DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE. One or both doors will not open or close (latch/unlatch). Low voltage supply of the vehicle 12 V battery or the key fob battery may cause the door lock actuator to become temporarily electrically faulted.
• 10166390HEAD UNIT NBT EVO (HU-H2) PROGRAMMING ABORT: The CID screen may light up blue. When this occurs A battery reset is not successful in restoring head unit operation Software error in the Bootloader file (BTLD) of the head unit.
• 10165283REAR GLASS WINDOW DOES NOT FULLY OPEN. When opening the rear glass window to access the luggage compartment the lid will release but will not open high enough to grasp the window completely by hand. The lock pin is contaminated.
• 10165266SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO.
• 10163995DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an engine malfunction check control message (CCM #29) may be displayed. The engine may run roughly or with reduced power.
• 10163056HEAD UNIT NBT EVO (HU-H2) PROGRAMMING ABORT. During programming several aborts can occur in the head unit NBT EVO (HU-H2).
• 10163054Intermittently the vehicle has no heater output.
• 10161579Telematics control unit activation via dcsnet for BMW assist.
• 10161578INFORMATION New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B84 02 14 dated September 2018.
• 10161567HIGH VOLTAGE DIAGNOSTIC SPECIALIST TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT STRATEGY. INFORMATION The ST1821 High Voltage Diagnostic Specialist Certification (HVS) is the next step in the E-mobility service strategy for BMW technicians.
• 10161559The drivability/steering behavior appears inconsistent. Rear axle stiffening plate.
• 10161552The fault memory lock in Digital Motor Electronics (DME) control unit was not activated. An activated lock would prevent the manual deletion of permanent fault codes. The DME fault memory lock has not been set.
• 10161546FAULT 118002 - MIXTURE TOO RICH SETS DURING WINTER WITH COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following fault stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME). In the situation being described the fault is primarily stored during the cold winter months along with the use of winter fuel.
• 10160350The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
• 10160292INTERMITTENT HEATER OUTPUT. Intermittently the vehicle has no heater output.
• 10160267The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.

Every BMW I8 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.