2017 BMW i3 structure problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2017 BMW i3 — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2017 i3 has a deteriorating roof. The roof, which is made of carbon fiber, is peeling and pieces are breaking off. This has also led to the interior upholstery of my roof to peel and sag. I am worried moisture will be let into my car, creating a mold issue. I contacted BMW and my extended…”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“The carbon fiber roof panel is starting to delaminate and I am concerned that pieces could fly off and cause an accident.”
filed Jul 29, 2026
“On May 30, 2026, I was driving on the NJ Turnpike with high winds and I heard loud sounds like hard rain on the roof of my BMW i3. I saw sheets flying off the roof. When I parked the car, the clear coat covering the roof had delaminated, exposing the carbon fiber. The BMW collision shop told me that the roof panel has…”
filed Jun 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other i3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 i3 | 10 | 30% |
| 2015 i3 | 7 | 15% |
| 2014 i3 | 7 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 BMW i3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.