2022 Tesla Model S Reliability Report

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2022 Tesla Model S, notably involving the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, which is implicated in crashes due to unexpected acceleration and failure to recognize traffic signals or obstacles such as construction zones. Complaints frequently mention phantom braking events on highways and software-related malfunctions, including camera blackouts and GPS errors. Safety implications are significant, with 11 crashes and 2 injuries reported, often linked to these autonomous driving and sensor failures. Some owners also describe windshield vulnerabilities and issues with the automatic window system's obstacle detection, posing additional safety risks. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some problems noted from the time of vehicle possession.

Owners report that the 2022 Tesla Model S frequently experiences "phantom braking" when using adaptive cruise control or autopilot, where the vehicle unexpectedly applies the brakes without clear cause. This issue is often described as occurring at highway speeds, leading to potential dangers from vehicles following closely behind. Complaints also note braking failures in situations where emergency braking is expected but does not engage, sometimes resulting in crashes. Additionally, some owners describe mechanical issues with brake components, such as loose calipers, which could lead to reduced braking performance. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, from new vehicles to those with over 85,000 miles, and have been linked to several crashes and injuries, indicating significant safety implications.

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2022 Tesla Model S, including sudden loss of steering assist and unexpected vehicle maneuvers, often during the use of Autopilot or Full Self-Driving features. Complaints frequently mention incidents where the vehicle veers unexpectedly or the steering wheel locks, leading to difficulty in maintaining control, especially at high speeds or in wet conditions. Many of these issues are reported around 55,000 to 70,000 miles, with some incidents resulting in crashes, injuries, and in a few cases, fires. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for buyers considering a used Model S, particularly regarding the reliability of advanced driver assistance systems and their impact on steering control.

Owners report issues with the seat belt latching system in the 2022 Tesla Model-S, particularly in the rear seats. Complaints frequently mention seat belts not latching, spontaneously disengaging, or failing to lock, with several instances involving child safety seats. Some owners note that these issues have persisted for over 12 months. A few reports indicate that these malfunctions have led to minor injuries, such as when a child safety seat tipped over due to a faulty latch. The problems often arise without warning lights or alerts, and occur at varying mileages, with one case noting the issue at approximately 3,500 miles. These issues present potential safety risks, especially in the event of an accident.

Owners report multiple issues with the suspension of the 2022 Tesla Model-S, with frequent mentions of bolts coming loose or falling out, particularly from the lower control arms. Symptoms commonly described include sudden wheel collapse, loss of steering control, and unusual noises such as clicking or booming sounds. These failures often occur at low speeds, such as while backing out of parking spaces, but owners express concern about potential risks at higher speeds. Complaints frequently involve vehicles with relatively low mileage, sometimes as few as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two reported crashes and three injuries, highlighting potential risks of loss of control and accidents. For potential buyers, these issues suggest careful inspection of the suspension system is advisable.

Owners report frequent issues with the airbag system in the 2022 Tesla Model S, particularly involving the front passenger safety restraint system. Complaints commonly describe intermittent alerts indicating a fault with the front passenger airbag, often linked to the seat harness or occupant detection system, with some owners experiencing repeated service visits without resolution. Several reports involve airbags failing to deploy during crashes, with five incidents involving crashes and three resulting in injuries. These issues often occur at varying mileage, with some owners noting problems persisting over multiple years. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications, especially concerning airbag reliability and deployment.

Owners report several power train issues with the 2022 Tesla Model S, notably involving the rear drive unit and power conversion systems. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of power or reduced power mode, often accompanied by warnings such as "Rear Motor Disabled" or error codes like Dl_a063 and Dl_a139, with some incidents occurring with less than 5,000 miles on the vehicle. Multiple owners describe situations where the vehicle unexpectedly stops or loses power while driving, posing safety risks, including two reported crashes due to unintended gear shifts and unexpected acceleration or deceleration. These issues typically occur without warning, leaving drivers vulnerable to potential accidents. Prospective buyers should be aware that these power train concerns may impact vehicle reliability and safety.