Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Tesla Model Y Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Tesla Model Y scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). With 18 recalls and 783 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
2022 is year 3 of the First generation.
Recalls
18
Complaints
783
Complaint Rate
34.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$832
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
18 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the First generation.
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2025.
- 1st generation Model Y (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
First generation
Should You Buy the 2022 Tesla Model Y?
The 2022 Tesla Model Y scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2022 is year 3 of the First generation.
With 783 owner complaints and 18 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in forward collision avoidance (251) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on forward collision avoidance (251) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2023 Tesla Model Y, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2021 Tesla Model Y for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
- Well-established generation
Cons
- Below-average reliability score
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (251 complaints)
- 101 fatality reports in owner complaints
- 7 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2022 Tesla Model Y With
2022 Kia EV6
Score: 46/100
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Score: 46/100
2022 BMW X3
Score: 64/100
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 61/100
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Score: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 18 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (251)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (118)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (84)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (70)
- SERVICE BRAKES (68)
- STEERING (45)
- SEAT BELTS (20)
- AIR BAGS (15)
- SUSPENSION (15)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (13)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (12)
- POWER TRAIN (12)
- LANE DEPARTURE (12)
- STRUCTURE (11)
- SEATS (8)
- WHEELS (7)
- VISIBILITY (7)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)
- TIRES (3)
- EQUIPMENT (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- ENGINE (1)
Recall Overview
18
recalls on record
The 2022 Tesla Model Y has 18 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
34.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
71
Fires
7
Injuries
136
Deaths
101
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Tesla Model Y Recall Details
18 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Tesla Model Y. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES
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."
Consequence
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Consequence
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and 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 September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
SEAT BELTS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Showing 10 of 18 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2022 Tesla Model Y NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 7.9%
Safety Technologies
Tesla Model Y Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$832
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2022 Tesla Model Y Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $122 – $179 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $183 – $269 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $122 – $179 |
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Vibration Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $183 – $269 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| AC Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2022 Tesla Model Y
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test for phantom braking during a test drive
- Inspect suspension components for loose or missing bolts
- Check for electrical system warnings or malfunctions
- Verify the functionality of the Full Self-Driving system
- Inspect the windshield for stress fractures or cracks
- Ensure the rear drive motor functions without warnings
- Check seat belt latching mechanisms, especially in rear seats
Check Any 2022 Tesla Model Y's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 Model Y in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Tesla Model Y with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2022 Tesla Model Y Common Problems by Component
783 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
251 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2022 Tesla Model Y frequently experiences issues with forward collision avoidance, particularly with phantom braking. Complaints often describe sudden, harsh braking during adaptive cruise control or Autopilot when no obstacles are present, posing potential rear-end collision risks. Some reports involve crashes, with 10 incidents and two injuries noted. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Additionally, multiple owners mention problems with the system misinterpreting speed limit signs, leading to inappropriate speed adjustments. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially when considering the safety implications of unexpected braking and speed misinterpretation.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
118 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with vehicle speed control in the 2022 Tesla Model Y, particularly related to phantom braking and cruise control malfunctions. Complaints often describe unexpected and abrupt braking at highway speeds, sometimes without any apparent obstacle, which can lead to near-collisions. Phantom braking incidents are noted both when cruise control is engaged and when it is not, with some owners experiencing this multiple times over long trips. Additionally, several reports mention the car's speed control defaulting to 55 mph unexpectedly due to software updates, causing safety concerns. Notably, some complaints involve crashes and injuries, highlighting significant safety implications for potential buyers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
84 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent electrical system failures in the 2022 Tesla Model Y, with common issues including complete electrical shutdowns that immobilize the vehicle and unresponsive touchscreen displays. Complaints often describe the vehicle losing propulsion or entering a "limp mode," especially during highway driving, which can lead to dangerous situations due to sudden deceleration or loss of control. Several owners mention problems with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system disengaging unexpectedly, sometimes causing the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or abruptly slow down. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 30,000 miles. Safety implications include eight reported crashes and four fires, with multiple injuries attributed to these electrical failures.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (70 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
70 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Tesla Model Y frequently report issues with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, including failures to recognize traffic signals and sudden unintended acceleration, leading to crashes in some cases. Complaints often describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, phantom braking, and difficulties with door mechanisms requiring excessive force to close properly. Several incidents involve the vehicle's FSD feature failing to navigate construction zones or merging lanes safely, resulting in collisions and injuries. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some incidents occurring shortly after software updates. Safety implications are significant, with 11 crashes and 2 injuries noted, suggesting potential risks for prospective buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (68 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
68 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Tesla Model Y frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving "phantom braking" where the vehicle unexpectedly brakes without obstruction, often while using Autopilot or cruise control at highway speeds. Complaints also describe brake caliper issues, including loose or missing bolts leading to noise and potential brake failure. Some reports involve crashes and injuries, with incidents occurring at varying mileages, including vehicles with as few as 10,100 miles. The safety implications are significant, with several complaints detailing loss of control and collisions, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
STEERING (45 complaints)
STEERING
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2022 Tesla Model Y, primarily involving loss of control and unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention steering wheel lock-up or difficulty steering, often accompanied by alerts such as "Steering Assist Reduced." These issues are sometimes linked to software updates or occur during Autopilot or Full Self-Driving mode transitions. Crashes are noted in 12 complaints, with some resulting in injuries or fires, indicating significant safety implications. Many reports occur at varying mileages, with some incidents happening shortly after service visits, suggesting potential recurring problems. These patterns provide critical context for potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability and safety.
SEAT BELTS (20 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
20 complaintsOwners report several issues with the seat belts in the 2022 Tesla Model Y, primarily involving latching failures. Complaints frequently mention that seat belt buckles, particularly in the rear seats, fail to latch or spontaneously disengage, posing a safety risk. Symptoms include seat belts not locking, buckles popping open, and difficulties in securing child car seats. These issues often arise with relatively low mileage, such as around 3,500 miles, and have resulted in at least one minor injury when a child seat tipped over. Buyers should be aware that resolving these issues may require service appointments, which some owners note can take weeks to schedule.
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)
AIR BAGS
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2022 Tesla Model Y's airbag system, most commonly involving the "front passenger safety restraint system fault" warning. This issue is often intermittent, and despite multiple service visits, the warning tends to reappear over time. Additionally, several complaints highlight that the passenger airbag fails to activate consistently for individuals weighing over 100 pounds, contrary to the vehicle's manual. There are also five crash reports where airbags did not deploy, with three resulting in injuries, indicating potential safety implications. Complaints span a range of mileages, with some issues persisting over extended periods, suggesting ongoing concerns for prospective buyers.
SUSPENSION (15 complaints)
SUSPENSION
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the suspension of the 2022 Tesla Model Y, with a notable pattern involving bolts and control arms becoming loose or detaching, leading to sudden loss of control. Complaints frequently mention incidents occurring at low speeds, such as backing out of parking spaces, where control arms detach or bolts are found on the ground. These failures often occur without any prior warning, and some vehicles have experienced repeated issues even after repairs. Affected vehicles range from new to having moderate mileage, with some reports indicating problems as early as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes, including one with three injuries, highlighting potential risks of loss of control and vehicle instability. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be cautious and consider having the suspension thoroughly inspected.
POWER TRAIN (12 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several power train issues with the 2022 Tesla Model Y, including problems with the rear drive unit and AWD system. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of power, with some vehicles entering a "reduced power" mode, accompanied by warnings to avoid steep hills or a turtle icon appearing on the dashboard. These issues are often noted at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 5,000 miles. Safety implications include two reported crashes, one involving an unexpected stop in traffic and another due to gear confusion resulting in a collision. Buyers should be aware of potential power train malfunctions that could lead to sudden power loss or incorrect gear engagement.
When Do 2022 Tesla Model Y Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Tesla Model Y Years
Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy
The best Tesla Model Y year is 2025 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (63/100) and 2023 (53/100).
Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid
The worst Tesla Model Y year is 2021 with a score of 46/100, primarily due to forward collision avoidance (313) issues. Also avoid 2020 (46/100).
2021
21 recalls · 991 complaints
2020
22 recalls · 264 complaints
Tesla Model Y Reliability Score Trend
Tesla Model Y reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 62/100 compared to 47/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 53/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 70/100 | Good |
Tesla Model Y Reliability Compared to Other Years
2022 Tesla Model Y Common Questions
2 questions from 2022 Tesla Model Y owners.
wipers are not working
Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?
2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Tesla Model Y?
How many recalls does the 2022 Tesla Model Y have?
Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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