BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles

Nov 16, 2017 — Recall Campaign #17V720000

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."

The recall was influenced by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance with about 32,000 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

17V720000

Manufacturer:	BMW of North America, LLC
Recall date:	November 16, 2017
NHTSA Campaign #:	17V720000
Units affected:	32,000

Description:: 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."
Consequeces:: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
Corrective action:: 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.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affects the following:

2014-2018 BMW I3

2018 BMW I3 Complaints
After reviewing BMW’s warranty documentation, I believe that the part replaced — specifically the evaporative emissions (EVAP) valve or purge valve AND vapor canister (active charcoal canister) — should be covered under the California Extended Emissions Warranty (TZEV) for my 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender. According to BMW’s California Emissions Warranty documentation (pages 14), the Evaporative Canister / Active Charcoal Filter is explicitly listed as a covered component under the Extended Emissions Warranty applicable to BMW i3 Range Extender vehicles in California. Furthermore, page 18 of the same document outlines the California Emission Control System Limited Warranty (TZEV), which provides coverage for emissions-related components for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, since we purchased this vehicle in 2021, we have meticulously maintained it and kept detailed fuel and service records. The vehicle has only been refueled NINE times total of 17 GALLONS of fuel with each refueling carefully logged by date and milage. The most recent refueling occurred on March 28, 2025, prior to our service visit at your dealership. These records demonstrate that the fuel and emissions systems have been minimally used, making premature failure of the vapor canister highly unusual. WE have never over filled the tank and dealer is claiming / assuming that is the cause. We believe this is a design flaw on BMW and we do pay the price. Many frustrated BMW i3 owners with similar issue and no help from BMW. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE ALSO A BMW RECALL BULLETIN ( SIB 01 05 24 ) I3 REX EVAP SYSTEM PURGE VENT VALVE EXT LTD WTY PLEASE MAKE BMW TO RECALL / REPAY ALL I3 OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE. WHAT IS THE POINT OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IF NO ONE IS ENFORCING IT !;