2022 Tesla Model 3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 9 Model 3 years
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 ranks worst of 9 model years with a Complaint Index of 100 and 765 complaints, including 53 crashes, 4 fires, and 1 death. NHTSA lists 18 recalls, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras problems account for 70% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 765
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes / fires
- 53 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 45 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 131
- 134 city / 126 hwy
Top 2022 Tesla Model 3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras537 (70%)
- Engine178 (23%)
- Brakes167 (22%)
- Other93 (12%)
- Electrical System65 (8%)
- Lane Departure44 (6%)
- Steering36 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires23 (3%)
- Structure & Body22 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers21 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the rearview and parking cameras lag or delay during low-speed maneuvers, leading to collisions with poles or objects.
- Drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration while braking, including at stoplights and during low-speed parking, resulting in crashes.
- Some owners state the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle even with the brake warning light illuminated, forcing evasive steering into fixed objects.
- Autopilot or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control reportedly failed to detect red lights or oncoming hazards, contributing to collisions with other vehicles.
- One owner reported the steering wheel lost control and the vehicle accelerated and turned on its own while parking, striking an electrical box.
- In a crash-related electrical failure, the electric door releases stopped working and the hidden manual release was not clearly labeled, trapping an occupant during a fire.
2022 Tesla Model 3 recalls
18 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V507000Aug 4, 2026Electrical System20,349 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
- NHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires696,281 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
2022 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 134 MPG
- Highway
- 126 MPG
- Combined
- 131 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2022 Model 3 has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest among the 9 model years tracked, with 765 complaints and 53 crashes, giving it an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other years.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2022 Tesla Model 3?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up 70% of complaints (537 complaints, 17 crashes), followed by Engine complaints (23%, 178 complaints) and Brakes complaints (22%, 167 complaints).
- Does the 2022 Tesla Model 3 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2022 Model 3, covering areas including Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Suspension, and Seat Belts; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do 2022 Model 3 owners report failures?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 4,700 miles, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras failures reported at a median of 1,900 miles and Engine issues at 3,200 miles.
- How does the 2022 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2022 model has a Complaint Index of 100, the worst of all years listed, compared to 2020 (13, Best) and 2017 (0, Best), making 2022 the year to avoid within the Model 3 lineup.