2022 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2022 Tesla Model 3 has a complaint index of 100, the highest of all 9 model years covered, and ranks worst overall (rank 1). It carries 765 complaints, 18 recalls, 53 crashes and 4 fires, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Model 3 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 9 Model 3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 765
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 18
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 53
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 45
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 131
- 134 city / 126 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 45 / 1
Top 2022 Tesla Model 3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report backup and surround cameras lagging or delaying during low-speed maneuvers, leading to collisions with poles or objects.
- Some describe sudden unintended acceleration while braking, including during self-driving or traffic-aware cruise control use, resulting in crashes.
- Multiple owners state the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle despite being depressed, in one case with the brake warning light illuminated.
- Owners describe steering suddenly losing control during low-speed parking, causing the vehicle to veer and strike objects.
- One owner reported that after a collision, the electrical system lost power, disabling electric door releases and trapping the driver as the interior caught fire.
- An owner reported side curtain airbags failing to deploy in all positions during a side-impact collision with a bus.
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?
- Compared with other Model 3 years, the 2022 model has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of the 9 years with data, so NHTSA data support an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What problems does the 2022 Tesla Model 3 have?
- The top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras, covering 70% of complaints (537 of 765), followed by Engine (23%) and Brakes (22%). Owners commonly reported camera lag, unintended acceleration, and brake failures, often with a low median mileage of 4,700 miles at failure.
- Does the 2022 Model 3 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns tied to the 2022 Model 3, covering areas like Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Seat Belts, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2022 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2022 model's complaint index of 100 is higher than the 2021 (75), 2023 (88), and far above 2024 (25) and 2025 (13), which rank as Good and Best years respectively.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2022 Model 3 gets an EPA combined rating of 131 MPG-equivalent (134 city / 126 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $600.