BMW i3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 7,051 BMW i3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2013 and 2022.
In a sample of 383 cars, 42.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (18.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 13 recalls for this model; 0.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific BMW i3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 18.8% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 8.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.5% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 2.3% |
| Windscreen washer not working properly | 1.8% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 1% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 1% |
| Airbag/seatbelt warning indicates a fault | 1% |
Share of 383 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 22.2% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 7,051 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2013 to 2022 |
All BMW i3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-02-01 | electrical system | – | 474 |
| 2023-05-01 | electrical system | serious | 5 |
| 2023-04-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 347 |
| 2023-01-27 | other | – | 1,801 |
| 2022-07-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 289 |
| 2021-12-20 | bodywork | serious | 2 |
| 2021-07-20 | seats | – | 53 |
| 2021-06-22 | seats | serious | 33 |
| 2020-07-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
| 2020-07-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 17 |
| 2019-08-28 | electrical system | serious | 83 |
| 2019-07-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 8 |
| 2017-05-30 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 868 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the BMW i3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 383 cars first registered 2012–2021, 42.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW i3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (18.8%), tyre pressure incorrect (11%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (8.1%).
Does the BMW i3 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 13 recalls. 0.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · 5 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · 4 Series · iX3 · i4 · X2 · i5 · Z4 · 7 Series
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.