2020 BMW i8

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified1ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โœ“Good Reliability

This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the BMW brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis

The 2020 i8 analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Critical Component: Check Engine Light

Safety & Reliability Score

92/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 BMW i8

Model Year2020
MakeBMW
Modeli8
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (100% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 1 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸขLow
1(100%)
โœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 952 miles.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 1 of 1 complaints (100% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 20V601000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

Consequence

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy

BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional 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.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

1 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 i8.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Check Engine Light100%
Warning100%
Battery100%
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW i8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V601000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CELLS THAT WERE FAULTY. THE BATTERY CELLS WERE REBUILT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER TWICE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WOULD BE GOING BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 952.

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V601000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

May 19, 2021Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 BMW i8?

Yes, the 2020 BMW i8 has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY.

Is the 2020 BMW i8 safe to drive?

The 2020 BMW i8 has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 BMW i8 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical system

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V601000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.