The Lemon Index2022 Tesla Model Y.
The 2022 Tesla Model Y is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 771 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 272, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, and it has 20 recalls. It's the best Tesla Model Y year we track.
Lemon alert. 2.7× the average car's complaints.
Worst year 2021
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 870 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Tesla Model Y year. 2022 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 32K miles on the car (79 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- automatic emergency braking complaints mostly came at 1K–11K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 3K–32K miles
Recalls 20
- lights 2026
The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output.
- back over prevention 2026
The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- tires 2024
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
Show all 20 recalls
- latches/locks/linkages 2024
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- seat belts 2024
In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended.
- automatic emergency braking 2024
A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- electrical 2024
An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.
- electrical 2023
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- steering 2023
The steering wheel fastener may be loose.
- seats 2023
The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened.
- steering 2023
The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a…
- lights 2022
One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
- visibility 2022
The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
- back over prevention 2022
The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.
- electrical 2022
The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- electrical 2022
The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- electrical 2022
A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance.
- electrical 2022
The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
- electrical 2022
The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
- suspension 2021
The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Tesla told dealers about
Tesla sent dealers 81 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS)…
- Leaked inside the rear trunk area through the liftgate assembly
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenFsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions2026
- OpenLower lateral link detachment2026
- OpenCompliance with standing general order 2021-01 reporting requirements2025
- OpenTraffic safety violations while full self driving ("fsd") is engaged2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $600–700 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
We are experiencing phantom braking when using the cruise control (non-autopilot) causing significant and unwarranted slow-downs of the vehicle.
2022 Tesla Model Y owner · NHTSA complaint 11459666
More owner reports
I was driving 55Mph with Autopilot engaged. Without warning the car engaged the brakes aggressively and I was almost rear ended.
NHTSA complaint 11455490
Passenger side b-pillar camera has condensation inside the glass and does not allow for it to opperate.
NHTSA complaint 11442878
Quick answers
Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 272; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Tesla Model Y year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2022 Tesla Model Y problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (86%), speed control (17%) and brakes (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 Tesla Model Y have?
20 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2022 Tesla Model Y problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,300 and 32,000 miles. The middle report was at 10,000 miles, from 79 complaints.
Does the 2022 Tesla Model Y have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2022 Tesla Model Y cost in fuel a year?
About $600 to $700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works