2022 Tesla Model S: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2022 Tesla Model S? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 128 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB as the top reported area.
2022 Tesla Model S Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2022 Tesla Model S. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2022 Tesla Model S has 128 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 19 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Tesla
- Model
- Model S
- Model year
- 2022
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 128
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Top reported component
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 116
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 119 / 112
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 405
Most Common 2022 Tesla Model S Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Uncategorized Issues
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, Uncategorized Issues, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2022 Tesla Model S?
The 2022 Tesla Model S shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 Tesla Model S
Inspection Focus
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2022 Tesla Model S, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 128 complaints for the 2022 Tesla Model S, issues are concentrated in the Forward Collision Avoidance system and uncategorized problems. Steering defects and electrical faults also appear frequently. With only 3 crash-related complaints and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for 33 complaints, the highest count.
- Steering defects are reported in 20 complaints.
- Uncategorized issues total 31 complaints, indicating potential reporting ambiguity.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
All 2022 Tesla Model S Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Tesla Model S. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 31 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Tesla Model S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The vehicle developed a leak in the AC condensate drain. The leak is directly above the safety restraint control module. The module got wet deactivating the vehicle and causing havoc with the airbag system. Many electrical systems turned off such as the power to the steering whe…
Complaint Category: Tires / Suspension Summary of Issue: I am reporting a recurring and deceptive safety defect involving extreme inner-edge tire wear on my Tesla Model S. On three separate occasions, my rear tires have worn down to the metal structural cords exclusively on the i…
Incident Description: While driving through a parking lot at 20 mi/hr, my vehicle's AEB system activated in response to another vehicle approaching from a perpendicular direction. However, the system's response was dangerously delayed and inappropriate stopping the car right in …
Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S (HW 3.0) System in Question: Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, initially purchased (Level 1 equivalent) for $6,000, and then upgraded (Level 2 equivalent) for an additional $3,000 (Total $9,000). I. Initial FSD Purchase and Unsafe Performance (Level…
VIN: [XXX] 2022 Tesla Model S Delivery: 10/27/2025 Passenger seatbelt was cut/frayed — FMVSS 209 + 208 violation. Tesla replaced belt but **ignored 8 other defects** (paint, body, sand, maintenance). Closed ticket early, **refused FSD goodwill**. Car still unsafe — **airb…
Since purchase, I have experienced nine tire-related failures, including four separate blowouts at highway speed, leaving the vehicle disabled on major roads multiple times. The most recent occurred on [Insert Date], when the car suffered another blowout and is now disabled at my…
Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S Tire: Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 255/45R19 104W XL Date of incident: October 15, 2025 Location: Chambers Rd., approximately 1.7 miles from Cosmopolitan Rd., Colorado Speed: Approximately 35 mph (speed limit 40 mph) Mileage on tire: Installed October 31, …
Car vents emit moldy smell when started , reported this to Tesla , they changed the filters but the smell still comes back, it seems other models besides S are facing it too, the technician from Tesla tells me to run high heat to kill any mold that might accumulate as condensatio…
Tonight, shortly after dusk, on a lightly traveled road near my home, the high-beams failed to function as described in the manual, or according to any alternative way to activate them. Traffic is 30 MPH with a single lanes divided by a double yellow center line with cat-eyes. Th…
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S T2 295/30R/21 102Y. These tires are engineered by Michelin specifically for a Tesla Model S 2022+ hence the T2 mark. These are a second generation as the previous ones were a T1. Everything is supposed to be factored in by Michelin to cater to the vehicle…
The front right door top hinge bolts fell out. Believe the bottom one is broke off. Also have vehicle has a seat belt warning alarm indicated. There is a vehicle appointment scheduled for the Thursday August 14, 2025. Did not notice any warning signs. The door separated in the…
Driver door does not unlock after a trip, with passengers inside the vehicle. Driver is unable to exit the vehicle from the driver door. This has happened a couple times now, a Tesla mechanic stopped by after the first time, but didn’t find any issue. It’s happening again.
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH in inclement weather with no other vehicles nearby, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the brakes were applied without driver input. The contact stated that the emergency stop …
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the message “Electrical System Power Reduce - Vehicle will Shut down” was displayed. The contact stated the vehicle had stopped charging and turned off once removed from the charg…
The rear seatbelt on the left stopped latching all of a sudden creating a safety issue to ride with family.
While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the front passenger side window spontaneously shattered without any external or internal impact. I was alone in the vehicle and no one was seated in the front passenger seat. There were no objects in the car that could have made contact with …
The manual door release on the front passenger side of my car was released automatically without anyone in the seat. I was the only one in the car. I was making a turn off of an exit and went over the seam between the bridge and the street. After I went over the seam, the fron…
My AC heater stopped functioning when I was driving through sub zero temperatures in salt lake city, Utah. At that time Tesla said they will need to replace the entire system and estimated 3000 dollars. However the system started working on its own and when they inspected the veh…
The driver side rear view mirror vibrates at most speeds in a way that renders it useless. This is a well described issue. Tesla is aware of it but refuses to fix it. It renders the mirror useless at some speeds.
My Tesla Model S 2022 unexpectedly shut down while parked in a covered garage on [XXX], after I had driven for an hour. This occurred after I returned from a family trip to Lima, Peru, where I did not use the car. Tesla service center diagnosed it as water damage requiring a $20,…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2022 Tesla Model S.
2022 Tesla Model S Recalls
19 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2022 Tesla Model S. 19 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2022 Tesla Model S Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model S reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 128 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 19 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2022 Tesla Model S shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Tesla Model S?▾
#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (33 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (31 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2022 Tesla Model S?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2022 Tesla Model S?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2022 Tesla Model S, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 128 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2022 Tesla Model S have any recalls?▾
Yes. 19 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2022 Tesla Model S. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE. 19 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2022 Tesla Model S?▾
The 2022 Tesla Model S shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Tesla Model S reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2022 Tesla Model S based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.