2022 Tesla Model Y Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 7 Model Y years
The 2022 Tesla Model Y ranks worst of 7 model years for Model Y, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 863 complaints tied to 90 crashes, 8 fires and 20 recalls. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues account for 59% of complaints, making 2022 the year to avoid within this model line.
- Complaints
- 863
- Recalls
- 20
- Crashes / fires
- 90 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 152 / 103
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 122.5
- 128 city / 116.5 hwy
Top 2022 Tesla Model Y problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras505 (59%)
- Engine149 (17%)
- Brakes133 (15%)
- Electrical System132 (15%)
- Other122 (14%)
- Lane Departure70 (8%)
- Steering57 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires52 (6%)
- Structure & Body50 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers33 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or turning at low speed, resulting in collisions with garages, homes, or parked vehicles.
- Some report the vehicle steering itself into fixed objects like trees or hydrants without driver input.
- Automatic emergency braking has reportedly failed to activate when needed, according to complaints.
- One owner reported a fire following a crash where the vehicle allegedly took control on its own.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in at least two crash complaints despite significant impact.
- A complaint describes the gear selector on the steering stalk lacking an audible warning when switching between forward and reverse, leading to a crash.
2022 Tesla Model Y recalls
20 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 Y fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 128 MPG
- Highway
- 116.5 MPG
- Combined
- 122.5 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 Y years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y reliable?
- Among the 7 Model Y years with data, 2022 has the highest Complaint Index (100) and ranks worst, with 863 complaints and 20 recalls, so it's rated Avoid relative to other Model Y years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2022 Tesla Model Y?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues are most common, making up 59% of complaints (505 of 863), with a median mileage at failure of 3,625 miles.
- Does the 2022 Tesla Model Y have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 20 recalls linked to the 2022 Model Y, covering areas like Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Seat Belts; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2022 Model Y compare to other years?
- The 2020 Model Y has the lowest Complaint Index (17) and is rated Best, while 2023 is also rated Avoid with a Complaint Index of 83, close behind 2022's 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Tesla Model Y?
- EPA rates the 2022 Model Y at 122.5 MPGe combined (128 city/116.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $600.