Problem Lookup › BMW › 3 Series › 2022
Car problem report
2022 BMW 3 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2022 BMW 3 Series has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 15owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 2injuries reported
15 complaints, against an average of 126 for the other 13 BMW 3 Series model years.
Every BMW 3 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2022 BMW 3 Series?
The components named most often in the 15 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2022 BMW 3 Series been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the 2022 BMW 3 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor
Risk: The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Risk: On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Fix: Conduct a check of the settings and if necessary perform a reset on the BDC control unit.
UK DVSAIt is possible that a damaged seat belt may have been installed into the vehicle during production.
Risk: It is possible that a damaged seat belt may have been installed into the vehicle during production.
Fix: The front left upper seat belt will be replaced on affected vehicles as a precaution.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged
Risk: The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged
EU Safety GateThe RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to…The RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to build up at the lowest point inside the relay. These deposits may increase relay contact resistance, leading to starting failures or short circuits. If a short circuit occurs, either when attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibration-related movement of the deposits, it could cause a thermal event and increase the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/07/2026
EU Safety GateThe engine starter’s electrical contacts may overheat and cause the vehicle to start improperly.Continued starting attempts can intensify the overheating and ignite surrounding components, potentially leading to a vehicle fire while driving or shortly after parking.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver's and/or passenger's seat could break the frame rail that connects the seat to the guide rails on the vehicle floor.The stability of the seats may be affected, increasing the risk of injury in case of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe front safety belt on the left side may be faulty.This can increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe micro gas generator inside the seat belt retractor may not have been manufactured to specifications.This may lead to an impairment of the restraint function in case of an accident, increasing the risk of injury. Moreover, there may be spark formation in case of a pressure release outside of the inflator damaged tube, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2022 BMW 3 Series owners report?
12 of the 15 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I was driving and going to pickup something from the store localy around like 8 pm, and suddenly my car's wheels stopped responding, and the sign's came up on the car of something like "impaired driving" , and the car was telling me to pull over, i was nearby walmart and i pulled into the parking lot slowly, and could not figure out what was wrong with my car, I left it there and went back next morning to find out that my Tie rod connecting my wheel to the steering rack had completely broken in half while the vehicle was in motion, now I don't know how or why this happened but it was a very…
Vehicle threw code 21A50A (Starter Pinion Timeout) and a Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Car still starts and drives. This is the exact mechanical failure described in Starter Recall 26V-438 / 26V-441, but my 2022 330e VIN is currently excluded.
The starter in my 2022 BMW M340I sedan was faulty after 54,000 miles. It began to take two attempts to start the vehicle each time and was at risk of not starting. The first attempt all electrical components would turn on but the ignition was unable to start the engine. Then the second attempt was generally successful. I took it to the dealer and had to replace my starter to return the vehicle to normal operation. BMW has recalled tens of thousands of other starters including my model but not yet for the 2022 BMW M340i I was told.
The vehicle displayed a “Passenger Restraint System Malfunction” warning. Upon diagnosis by an authorized BMW dealership (Fields BMW, [XXX] ), the issue was identified as a faulty passenger knee airbag wiring harness (short to ground). The dealer confirmed that this condition is documented in a BMW Technical Service Bulletin [XXX] ), indicating that BMW is aware of a recurring defect involving this component. This failure directly affects the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which is a critical safety system designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. A malfunction in this…
On the day of purchase, while traveling at approximately 70mph on the Florida Turnpike, a large section of the lower dashboard assembly detached and fell onto my feet, obstructing access to the pedals., the vehicle displayed a "Powertrain Failure" warning light. Subsequent inspection of the tires revealed extreme pressure variances (ranging from 33 to 41 PSI) and multiple "sticky" or stuck tire valves, one of which remained open and caused rapid deflation. These defects represent a significant failure of the seller's advertised "150-point inspection" and posed an immediate life-safety risk at…
Water pump failure and coolant reservoir leak.
The contact owns a 2022 BMW M340I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering failure message was displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After approximately one hour, the vehicle was restarted, the failure was self-corrected, and the steering wheel operated as normal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on two separate occasions due to the failure, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure…
Driving at 75 mph on highway, tire "exploded". Tire air pressure immediately dropped to zero, resulting in some lack of steering control. Warning message on dash appeared upon tire failure. Drove with caution lights to open gas station. A 4-inch slash was visible in the sidewall of the tire. Car was towed to dealership and tire was replaced at my expense.
Driving on highway at 75 mph, tire "exploded" resulting in immediate loss of air pressure and some lack of steering control. Road conditions were optimal with clear sunny weather and no road hazards. Dashboard warning light appeared upon tire failure. Drove with hazards to dealership who replaced the tire at my expense. (P225/45R18) Dealer made a video of their findings which revealed a 6- inch slash on the inside tire sidewall. See link: https://app.mykaarma.com/service-cart/mpi/swlK8MvUOM5g_VmsZFg8rdKlC-clUH-tDL_XPoMwBFA/check/Your_CAR_CHECK_ID/media/0/view/1
Approached my parked car and noticed a 2.5-inch gash in the sidewall of the tire. No warning light in dashboard. Tire pressure remained at recommended pressure. Previous driving was on 35 mph local roads with optimal driving conditions--clear weather and no road hazards. Drove vehicle to dealer to have tire replaced. Tire was covered under warranty but incurred labor expenses. (P225/45R18)
The brakes failed at high speed. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. The car hit a barrier and flipped on its roof. Yes, I and my passenger were both at risk of serious injury. No independent confirmation has taken place at this time. No warning lights indicated malfunction.
car had 1,645 miles rear left axle broke. Car would not move. Had this occurred on a highway I easily could have been rear ended. Part must have been defective, Dealer replaced the part left rear CV joint but not the right, nor did the dealer confirm both rear axles were not from the same batch. The failure was catastrophic and sudden with no warnings.
2022 BMW 3 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2022 BMW 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 BMW 3 Series; the most common categories were electrical system (3, 20%), power train (3, 20%), tires (3, 20%). There is 1 safety recall. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 BMW 3 Series?
Across 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (20% of complaints), power train (20% of complaints), tires (20% of complaints), engine (13.3% of complaints), steering (13.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2022 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2022 BMW 3 Series; the most recent (campaign 23V584000, 2023-08-16) concerns Seat Belts. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own 3 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2022 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 3 SERIES, 330E and M340I.