Model year guide

2015 BMW I8

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2015 BMW I8 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2015 BMW I8 — representative photo
Representative photo

2015 BMW I8 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints5
Combined28 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2015 BMW I8 recalls 1

Electronic Stability Control (esc) NHTSA Campaign #15V882000 · 28/12/2015

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2015 BMW I8 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2015 BMW I8 MPG & running costs

Combined28 mpg
City28 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd
Electric range330 mi
Charge time (240V)2 hours
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume81 cu ft
Cargo volume5 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2015 BMW I8 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Fuel only$14,750
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

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…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

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 deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 209

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 209.

The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assemblys Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first…

Bulletin B010924 · Fuel/propulsion System, Electrical System · Mar 2025

The 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 del…

Bulletin B010924 · Engine · Nov 2024

The 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 “di…

Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

At 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…

Bulletin B360121 · Steering · Jan 2024

The 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 t…

Bulletin SIB651312 · Electrical System · May 2022

The 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 t…

Bulletin B651312 · Equipment · Sep 2021

TELEMATICS 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…

Bulletin B840121 · Equipment · May 2021

Low 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.

Bulletin B612315 · Equipment, Visibility · Nov 2020

BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.

Bulletin B611820 · Electrical System · Sep 2020

NAVIGATION 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. You…

Bulletin B650709 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the I8 AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2015 BMW I8. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: Thi…

Transport Canada #2024544 · Aug 2024

Electrical

Certain vehicles, which were parked at the port of entry in Halifax during the ice storms in February 2015, may have been exposed to excessive standing water and salt for an extended period due to this isolated environmental incident. Certain MINI models could have corrosion at the starter motor power supply cable connectors, which could lead to the inability to restart the eng…

Transport Canada #2015343 · Jul 2015

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the BMW I8

The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car developed by BMW. The i8 was part of BMW's electrified fleet and was marketed under the BMW i sub-brand. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was released in Germany in June 2014. Deliveries to retail customers in the U.S. began in August 2014. A roadster variant was launched in May 2018. Production ended in June 2020.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2015 BMW I8 vehicles on record

Other BMW I8 model years

2015 BMW I8 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 BMW I8 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2015 BMW I8. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW I8?

Across all 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2015 BMW I8 get?

The 2015 BMW I8 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 28 mpg combined (28 city / 29 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.