BMW i3 (2017) Air Bag Recall: Higher Neck Injury Risk in Frontal Crashes
BMW is recalling certain 2014-2018 i3 electric vehicles due to higher neck injury risk for unbelted small adult drivers in frontal crashes. Owners must update air bag software by January 8, 2018.
Use caution until it’s fixed
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
What happened, in plain English
BMW is recalling some 2014-2018 i3 electric vehicles because unbelted small adult drivers may face higher neck injury risk during frontal crashes. This issue relates to air bag software that doesn't meet federal safety standards. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225628-bmw-i3-2017-air-bag-recall-higher-neck-injury-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225628-bmw-i3-2017-air-bag-recall-higher-neck-injury-risk · Updated October 7, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #17V720000
Cite this page
“BMW i3 (2017) Air Bag Recall: Higher Neck Injury Risk in Frontal Crashes.” GovInfoNow, updated October 7, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225628-bmw-i3-2017-air-bag-recall-higher-neck-injury-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #17V720000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V720000).
Why it’s dangerous
The air bag control software in these vehicles doesn't meet federal safety standards for occupant crash protection. During a frontal crash, unbelted small adult drivers could experience higher neck injuries than expected.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric vehicles are affected. Small adult drivers who don't wear seat belts during frontal crashes face the highest risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your BMW i3 was manufactured between 2014 and 2018. The recall covers electric and hybrid electric models only.
- Brand
BMW- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Update Air Bag Software
Contact BMW customer service at 1-855-269-3361 to schedule a software update at a dealer.
January 8, 2018
What NHTSA says to do
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.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall expected to begin (expected, per the notice)
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Questions people ask
Do I need to stop using my vehicle immediately?
No. The recall requires updating the air bag software, which can be done safely while driving.
Keep exploring
Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #17V720000 (November 16, 2017)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 7, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.