NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Ratings
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 scores 99 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 23 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. With a clean recall record and a sweep of five-star NHTSA crash ratings, this model year presents a strong safety profile by every federal data measure available.
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100 sourced entirely from NHTSA federal data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 9 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 | 99 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 23 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2022 model year represents the high-water mark for the Mazda3 in MotorCaliber's federal-data scoring. The Safety Index rose three points over the 2021 model's 96/100, reaching 99/100 within the same Exceptional band. That three-point gain was driven by a perfect defect record: zero recall campaigns, which contributed 19 of a possible 20 points to the defect-record sub-score. The crash-protection sub-score of 70/70 reflects the complete five-star sweep across overall, frontal, side, and rollover categories, a result that leaves no tested dimension as a vulnerability. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 10/10 reflects forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment on this trim. The sole point withheld from a perfect 100 sits in the defect-record component, a reminder that no vehicle is entirely without potential exposure. The 23 unverified complaints on file, led by 12 Air Bag allegations, are worth monitoring but do not alter the federal crash-test picture. Taken together, the 2022 data year tells a story of marginal but real improvement over an already strong prior year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 five stars across every tested category: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk figure is 10 percent, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result. There is no weak or not-rated category among the four tested dimensions.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16098
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there is no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has received 23 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged component is Air Bags, cited in 12 reports. Electrical System accounts for 4 alleged reports, while Structure, Engine, Power Train, and Seat Belts each appear in 2 unverified allegations. One crash and two injuries are alleged; no deaths are reported.
23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Mazda Mazda3?
Because this vehicle is now in the used market, shoppers should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Zero recalls are on file now, but recall campaigns can be added after this analysis was written, and confirming that any future remedy has been completed protects the buyer.
- The 2022 model year holds zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that directly contributes to its 19/20 defect-record sub-score and separates it from years that carry open safety actions.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in all four tested categories for this model year, including a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic tip test, leaving no tested crash dimension as a weak point.
- The Safety Index of 99/100 reflects a three-point increase over the 2021 Mazda3's 96/100, the largest single-year gain recorded for this model in the Exceptional band.
- Twelve of the 23 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year allege Air Bag issues, making that component the single largest complaint category and one worth asking a seller or technician about before finalizing a used purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 places
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Mazda Mazda3 safety questions
Was the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Mazda Mazda3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 99 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 Mazda Mazda3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 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 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 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 Mazda Mazda3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 23 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Mazda Mazda3. 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 Mazda3 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 16098), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda3 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 9 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.