NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 BMW X3 Safety Ratings
The 2022 BMW X3 scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 65 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 BMW X3 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 72/100, landing it in the Average band for its model year. This rating is largely supported by its strong crash-test performance. However, seven recalls and a modest score in avoidance technology prevent it from reaching a higher standing. The X3 presents a reasonable, though not exceptional, choice for safety.
The 2022 BMW X3 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 BMW X3 ranks 124 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.1% |
| Recalls on file | 7 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 65 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 124 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 BMW X3?
The 2022 BMW X3 presents a split safety profile, confirmed by federal data. A 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, supported by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 points, indicates strong passive safety performance in controlled collision tests. However, the overall Safety Index for this model year dropped to 72, a seven-point decrease from the 2021 model's 79, placing it squarely within the Average band. This decline is largely attributable to two specific areas. The vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score registers at a low 2 out of 10, reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, features now common across this market segment. More significantly, the defect record sub-score stands at 4 out of 20, driven by a total of seven recall campaigns. Among these, two address structural attachment hardware across a broad production range that includes the 2022 X3. Another recall specifically targets door locking mechanisms on the second-row doors of 2022-2024 X3 variants. A recall for the starter relay, requiring the vehicle to be parked outside, introduces a notable urgency to the ownership experience of this model year. The 2022 X3 demonstrates capable crash protection, but its recall volume and the omission of key active-safety technologies stand as clear safety deficits.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 BMW X3 perform in crash tests?
The 2022 BMW X3 achieved a full 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's overall safety evaluation. This rating includes perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance test, however, yielded a 4 out of 5 star rating, with a 17 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip-test recorded "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16209
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes, seven recalls cover this model year. Campaigns address the electrical starter assembly, a door latch and lock system on second-row doors, and two separate structural campaigns tied to attachment hardware on X3 variants spanning the 2018-2022 range. One campaign, involving the starter relay, carries an active park-outside directive and should be treated as urgent.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY26V056000
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY25V636000
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-09-23
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK25V106000
Risk: Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-02-20
STRUCTURE24V764000
Risk: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Reported 2024-10-15
STRUCTURE24V534000
Risk: Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-07-17
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL22V513000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2022-07-20
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V070000
Risk: An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2022-02-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 BMW X3?
Owners have filed 65 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (16 reports), Structure (12), Forward Collision Avoidance (10), Engine (8), Lane Departure (8), and Electrical System (7). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
65 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 BMW X3?
A notable concern for the 2022 BMW X3 is the unresolved status of its recall for the starter relay, which has necessitated a "park outside" advisory for affected vehicles. Prospective owners must verify the recall remedy status for this and other campaigns, including those addressing structural integrity and door lock function, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2022 model year's Safety Index of 72 is seven points below the 2021 model year's 79, a measurable year-over-year decline driven primarily by a heavier recall record and a low avoidance-tech score.
- One of the seven recalls carries a park-outside directive tied to the starter relay, meaning certain 2022 X3 units should not be stored in an enclosed garage until the remedy is completed.
- Two separate structural recall campaigns cover attachment hardware on 2018-2022 X3 variants, making it especially important to verify remedy completion on any used 2022 unit.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, even as owner complaints cite Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure as two of the top reported problem areas.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 BMW X3 places
The 2022 BMW X3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 BMW X3 safety questions
Was the 2022 BMW X3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 BMW X3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 BMW X3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 BMW X3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 BMW X3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 BMW X3, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 BMW X3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 65 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 BMW X3. 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 X3 years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16209), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X3 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 124 of 135 in the SUV 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.