2022 Tesla Model S Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2022 Tesla Model S has a complaint index of 31, ranking 10th worst out of 14 model years, and carries a Good verdict. It has 138 complaints, 20 recalls, 3 crashes, and no reported fires or deaths.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 31/100
- #10 of 14 Model S years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 138
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 20
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 116
- 119 city / 112 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2022 Tesla Model S problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
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 phantom braking on highways while Autopilot or self-driving is engaged, with the car slowing suddenly for no apparent obstacle.
- Some describe the yoke-style steering wheel as hard to control during sharp turns, parking maneuvers, or emergency recovery.
- The shift bar and hazard switch became inoperable for one owner near 1,500 miles, requiring a control bar replacement that was never completed.
- A rear camera failed to detect an obstacle while reversing, leading to a crash into a gate at about 11,544 miles.
- One owner reported the seat belt audible reminder failed to engage even after a software update was attempted at the service center.
- A driver using full self-driving mode reported the vehicle stopped unexpectedly behind a partially cleared lane occupied by a large truck.
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?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2022 Model S has a complaint index of 31, the 10th worst of 14 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Model S years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2022 Tesla Model S?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up 25% of complaints (35 complaints), followed by Electrical System, Steering, and Suspension/Wheels/Tires, each at 15% (21 complaints).
- Does the 2022 Tesla Model S have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns tied to the 2022 Model S, covering areas like airbags, electrical systems, and collision avoidance cameras, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2022 Model S compare to other Tesla Model S years?
- With a complaint index of 31, the 2022 model performs better than years like 2016 (complaint index 100, Avoid) but worse than 2019, 2024, and 2025, which each carry a Best verdict.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures in the 2022 Model S?
- Across all complaints, the median mileage at failure is 6,118 miles, though specific problem areas like Suspension, Wheels & Tires show a higher median of 10,000 miles.