NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 BMW 3 Series Safety Ratings
The 2023 BMW 3 Series scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 BMW 3 Series earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its perfect NHTSA crash-test scores are a genuine highlight, though a low avoidance-tech score and a one-point index drop from 2022 are worth understanding before purchase.
The 2023 BMW 3 Series Sedan AWD received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 BMW 3 Series ranks 51 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 51 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 BMW 3 Series?
Near-perfect passive protection defines the 2023 BMW 3 Series Sedan AWD, achieving a full 70 out of 70 for crash protection. However, the overall Safety Index of 89 out of 100 represents a two-point decline from the 2022 model's 91. This drop is entirely attributable to the vehicle's active safety systems; its avoidance-tech sub-score is just 2 out of 10. This low score reflects the absence of factory-installed forward collision warning and lane departure warning in the tested configuration, despite standard electronic stability control. The defect record sub-score remains strong at 17 out of 20, with only one recall campaign issued for the automatic transmission control module. Owner complaints are modest, totaling ten, with three alleged crashes and two alleged injuries reported. Notably, forward collision avoidance issues appear among the top reported complaints, underscoring the active-safety equipment gap identified in the index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 BMW 3 Series perform in crash tests?
The 2023 BMW 3 Series Sedan AWD achieved a flawless 5 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes overall, frontal, and side impact protection. Furthermore, the vehicle's rollover risk was determined to be 9 percent, with dynamic tip testing yielding a "No Tip" result. No category received a rating below the maximum 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18321
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
One recall was issued for the 2023 BMW 3 Series. It targets the powertrain automatic transmission control module, covering specific variants including the 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, and M3, as part of a campaign that also spans certain other models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)23V821000
Risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2023-12-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 BMW 3 Series?
Ten owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 BMW 3 Series, including alleged involvement in 3 crashes and 2 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Unknown or Other, Electrical System, and Exterior Lighting, each appearing in multiple reports.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 BMW 3 Series?
An urgent recall for the 2023 BMW 3 Series transmission control module has been issued. Prospective buyers of used models should verify with NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that the remedy has been completed, as addressing an open recall falls to the owner.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 89 is two points lower than the 2022 model's 91, a shift driven by the avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10, not by any decline in crash-test performance.
- NHTSA awarded this specific tested configuration a perfect 5 stars in every crash-test category, including a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in dynamic testing.
- One recall was issued for this model year targeting the automatic transmission control module, a powertrain defect that used-market buyers should confirm has been remedied via VIN lookup before purchase.
- Ten unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA include allegations touching the Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, and Forward Collision Avoidance components, the last of which aligns with the tested vehicle's lack of factory forward collision warning.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 BMW 3 Series places
The 2023 BMW 3 Series qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 BMW 3 Series safety questions
Was the 2023 BMW 3 Series crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 BMW 3 Series, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 BMW 3 Series crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 BMW 3 Series have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 BMW 3 Series. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 BMW 3 Series?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18321), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW 3 Series 2023.
- 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 51 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.