NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 BMW 3 Series Safety Ratings
The 2019 BMW 3 Series scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 38 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating defines the 2019 BMW 3 Series, contributing to its 90/100 score on the NHTSA Safety Index, an evaluation that places it firmly in the Exceptional band. Its safety profile is further bolstered by a pristine record of zero recalls. Standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims provides an additional layer of protection, as reflected in the federal data.
The 2019 BMW 3 Series SW AWD received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 BMW 3 Series ranks 29 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 38 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 29 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 BMW 3 Series?
The 2019 BMW 3 Series SW AWD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, landing in the Exceptional band. No prior-year Index is on file, so a year-over-year comparison cannot be made, but the score itself is notable. The breakdown reveals where that score comes from: crash protection contributes 65 of a possible 70 points, reflecting the strong NHTSA performance headlined by five-star overall, side, and rollover ratings. The frontal rating of four stars is the only crash-test result that kept the protection sub-score from a perfect ceiling. Avoidance technology earns a full 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment rather than optional add-ons. The defect record sub-score of 14.5 out of 20 reflects the zero-recall standing combined with 38 unverified owner complaints. The complaint mix, which includes alleged engine, electrical, and air bag issues, is worth monitoring, but at this count and without any confirmed recall action, the defect record sub-score remains solid. Taken together, this model year stands out for its clean recall slate and comprehensive standard safety technology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 BMW 3 Series perform in crash tests?
The 2019 BMW 3 Series SW AWD achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection earned a full five stars, as did its rollover protection. NHTSA measured the rollover risk for this model at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing. The only area in which the 3 Series SW AWD did not receive a perfect score was frontal crash protection, which NHTSA rated at four out of five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13382
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
The 2019 BMW 3 Series carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside advisories and no do-not-drive orders are associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's database, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 BMW 3 Series?
Owners have filed 38 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other components (9 reports), Engine (7), Electrical System (6), Power Train (5), and Air Bags (4). These are unverified consumer allegations and do not represent confirmed defects.
38 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 BMW 3 Series?
The 2019 BMW 3 Series currently has no open recalls on file with NHTSA. However, as with any used vehicle, prospective buyers should verify its individual VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup tool to ensure no new campaigns have been initiated and that all necessary remedy work has been completed. Recall status can change, and this check is an essential step in assessing a vehicle's ongoing safety profile.
- The 2019 BMW 3 Series SW AWD holds zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a meaningful distinction for a seven-year-old vehicle in the used market.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned four stars, the only rating below five stars in the full NCAP suite, while side and rollover tests each achieved the maximum five-star result.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 in the avoidance technology sub-score.
- Thirty-eight unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with alleged issues concentrated in engine, electrical system, and power train categories, none of which have produced a recall campaign for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 BMW 3 Series places
The 2019 BMW 3 Series qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 BMW 3 Series safety questions
Was the 2019 BMW 3 Series crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 BMW 3 Series, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 BMW 3 Series crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 BMW 3 Series earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW 3 Series have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 BMW 3 Series as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 BMW 3 Series?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 38 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 BMW 3 Series. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 3 Series years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13382), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW 3 Series 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 29 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.