2022 Tesla Model S Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
38/100
#9 most-complained of 14 Model S years
The 2022 Tesla Model S has a complaint index of 38, ranking 9th worst out of 14 model years, with a verdict of Good. It has 138 complaints, 20 recalls, 3 crashes, and no fires, injuries, or deaths reported to NHTSA.
- Complaints
- 138
- Recalls
- 20
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 116
- 119 city / 112 hwy
Top 2022 Tesla Model S problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras35 (25%)
- Other34 (25%)
- Electrical System21 (15%)
- Steering21 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (15%)
- Brakes11 (8%)
- Engine10 (7%)
- Structure & Body9 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (4%)
- Seat Belts5 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners describe phantom braking on highways with Autopilot engaged, with the car slamming on brakes for no apparent reason even with no vehicles nearby.
- Rear and front cameras have failed to detect obstacles like gates or objects during low-speed maneuvers, leading to collisions.
- The yoke-style steering wheel is described as difficult and dangerous to use in emergency maneuvers, tight parking, or when recovering from a pothole strike.
- Electrical failures have left the shift bar and hazard switch inoperable, requiring dealer diagnosis.
- The audible seat belt reminder chime has failed to activate even when the belt was unfastened, requiring a software update.
- Full self-driving mode has stopped unexpectedly behind partially-cleared trucks, with drivers not intervening in time.
2022 Tesla Model S recalls
20 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 25V172000Mar 19, 2025Airbags91 vehicles
Air bags
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
- NHTSA 24V967000Dec 23, 2024Airbags487 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:cushion
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
2022 Tesla Model S fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 119 MPG
- Highway
- 112 MPG
- Combined
- 116 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $650
- 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 S years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Tesla Model S reliable?
- Compared to other Model S years, 2022 ranks 9th worst out of 14 with a complaint index of 38, which NHTSA data classifies as Good. It has fewer complaints than several earlier years like 2015 and 2016.
- What are the biggest problem areas for the 2022 Tesla Model S?
- NHTSA complaints show Collision Avoidance & Cameras as the top problem area, making up 25% of complaints (35 total), followed by Electrical System, Steering, and Suspension/Wheels/Tires, each at 15%.
- Does the 2022 Tesla Model S have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 20 recalls for the 2022 Model S, covering areas like Airbags, Electrical System, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras. None of the recalls are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for failures reported on the 2022 Model S?
- Across all complaints, the median mileage at failure is 6,118. For Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues specifically, median mileage is 6,890, while Electrical System issues showed a median of 1,500 miles.
- How does the 2022 Model S compare to other years for fuel economy?
- The 2022 Model S has an EPA combined rating of 116 MPG (119 city/112 highway) and an estimated annual fuel cost of $650.