Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the airbags, transmission, and backup camera. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2022 BMW 5 Series: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/5
Engine off, key in hand0/3
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2022's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 BMW 5 Series. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD, RWD | 26–28 mpg |
| 4.4L 8-cylGas | AWD | 20 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD, RWD | 25–27 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD, RWD | 320–340 mi range |
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 BMW 5 Series, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Side airbags fail to deploy in a side-impact crash where the rear passenger door is struck, and both occupants are hurt, one knocked unconscious. No warning light or message appeared before the crash. A separate report describes a Passenger Restraint service message, possibly tied to the seat or floor occupant sensor, and the owner describes it as a common complaint on owner forums. The complaints are few, but they include one crash and 2 injuries.
The car loses motive power without warning, sometimes at 50-60 mph, leaving the driver coasting in live traffic. Dashboard messages read "Drive Train Malfunction" and "Reduced Power." Reports involve both the 530i and 540i. In one case the failure recurs after restarting, and the dealer cannot find the cause even after the car is towed in twice. Another failure follows a long cold-weather park. The main risk is a sudden stall while merging or crossing a busy road.
Parking sensors and the backup camera stop working, then sometimes start working again on their own. When the system is down, the car gives no warning when backing toward a wall or parked car. One dealer blamed a barely visible chip on a front sensor and offered no explanation for the camera failure. The rear cross-traffic alert also fails to warn of approaching vehicles and only reacts to objects directly behind the car. A dealer confirmed the settings were correct, and no fix is reported.
Excerpts from complaints 5 Series owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Passenger Restraint service message. Possibly related to airbag seat or floor sensor. Checked BMW customer forums and appears to be widespread issue.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 6 5 Series years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the sixth model year of the 5 Series's seventh generation (2017–2023).
It includes the 2020 update.
What changed for 2020
Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24, 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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
Risk: An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Cars shoppers compare with the BMW 5 Series, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
