NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 BMW 3 Series Safety Ratings
The 2022 BMW 3 Series scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 BMW 3 Series achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category. This strong performance, combined with a clean recall record, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, an "Exceptional" rating. Its overall safety standing is notably high, though the absence of factory-installed forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems prevents it from reaching the peak score of its 2021 predecessor.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 based exclusively on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 BMW 3 Series ranks 35 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 BMW 3 Series?
The 2022 model year achieved an overall Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This score, while strong, represents a four-point decrease from the 2021 model year's 95 out of 100. This decline is largely attributable to the active-safety suite, specifically an avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10, a direct consequence of this trim configuration lacking factory-equipped forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. In terms of occupant protection, the vehicle demonstrates significant strength. Its crash protection sub-score is a perfect 70 out of 70. This reflects a clean sweep of 5-star ratings across all four NHTSA NCAP categories, alongside a 9-percent rollover risk. The defect record also contributed positively, with a sub-score of 19 out of 20, derived from zero recall campaigns and a very low volume of only 6 owner complaints. For consumers assessing the 2022 model year, the data indicates that its structural crashworthiness remains consistent with the previous year's high standards. The primary distinction lies in the availability of advanced driver-assistance features. The 2022 model year is not a regression in fundamental crash safety, but rather a configuration where the omission of specific active-safety technologies impacts its comprehensive safety index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 BMW 3 Series perform in crash tests?
The 2022 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD distinguished itself with a perfect 5-star rating across all NHTSA crash-test categories. This included 5 stars for overall protection, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. The vehicle's rollover risk was assessed at 9 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. Every evaluated category achieved the top rating, leaving no areas untested or scored weakly.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16196
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
The 2022 BMW 3 Series has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components flagged, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. For a used vehicle now roughly four years old, shoppers should still run a VIN check periodically, as recall records can be updated after initial publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 BMW 3 Series?
NHTSA has logged 6 unverified owner complaints for the 2022 BMW 3 Series. The top alleged problem areas are Tires (3 reports), Unknown Or Other (2 reports), and Power Train (1 report). These are unverified consumer allegations only and do not represent confirmed defects or established safety findings.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 BMW 3 Series?
Before purchasing a 2022 BMW 3 Series, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been opened since original sale. Verify that the specific trim and options include any active-safety features you consider essential, since this configuration's avoidance tech score reflects missing factory equipment.
- The 2022 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD earned 5 stars in all four NHTSA NCAP categories, including a 9-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, making crash protection the strongest component of its 2022 safety profile.
- The Safety Index dropped four points from the 2021 model year (95/100) to 91/100 in 2022, driven by an avoidance technology sub-score of only 2 out of 10 because this configuration lacks factory forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2022 model year, a result reflected in the strong defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20.
- Only 6 unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Tires the most frequently cited component at 3 alleged reports; none of these are confirmed defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 BMW 3 Series places
The 2022 BMW 3 Series qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 BMW 3 Series safety questions
Was the 2022 BMW 3 Series crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 BMW 3 Series, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 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 2022 BMW 3 Series crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 BMW 3 Series earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 BMW 3 Series have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 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 2022 BMW 3 Series?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 BMW 3 Series. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 3 Series years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16196), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW 3 Series 2022.
- 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 35 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.